Bone graft injection osteotome

ABSTRACT

A composition delivery source ( 300 ) includes a chamber ( 302 ), a solid-liquid composition delivery tube ( 314 ), a mixing tube ( 316 ), and a liquid-supply tube ( 318 ). A filter ( 304 ) divides the chamber ( 302 ) into a liquid compartment ( 306 ) and a solid-liquid composition compartment ( 308 ). The solid-liquid composition delivery tube ( 314 ) is in fluid communication with the solid-liquid composition compartment ( 308 ). The mixing tube ( 316 ) is in fluid communication with the liquid compartment ( 306 ) and the solid-liquid composition compartment ( 308 ). The liquid-supply tube ( 318 ) is in fluid communication with the liquid compartment ( 306 ) and a liquid solution container ( 366 ). A pump unit ( 301 ) is provided that includes a mixing pump ( 322 ), which is arranged to cause flow in the mixing tube ( 316 ); and a liquid-supply pump ( 324 ), which is arranged to cause flow in the liquid-supply tube ( 318 ). Other embodiments are also described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application (a) claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication 62/150,969, filed Apr. 22, 2015, and (b) claims priorityfrom and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.14/707,688, filed May 8, 2015, both of which are assigned to theassignee of the present application and are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE APPLICATION

The present invention relates generally to surgical tools andimplantation methods, and specifically to minimally-invasive surgicaltools and implantation methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE APPLICATION

Osseointegrated dental implants are typically metallic or ceramic screwsthat are placed in the jawbone for supporting artificial teeth after theloss of natural teeth. Replacement of the maxillary teeth is often achallenging surgical procedure when the remaining maxillary bone hasinsufficient height to support the implant. One surgical technique foraugmenting the maxillary bone includes injecting a regenerativematerial, such as autogenic, allogeneic, xenogeneic, or synthetic bonegraft, into the vicinity of the maxillary bone. The regenerativematerial forms additional bone mass that integrates with the existingmaxillary bone, providing the necessary alveolar height to support theimplant.

Bone augmentation procedures are often surgically difficult to perform,and are associated with complications, including infection of themaxillary sinus. The top of the maxillary alveolar ridge forms the floorof the maxillary sinus, and is covered by a thin membrane known as theSchneiderian or subantral membrane. In one surgical procedure, known asa closed or internal sinus lift or elevation procedure, the surgeondrills a bore through the maxillary alveolar ridge from the oral cavityat the desired location of the implant. The bore penetrates the ridge tobelow the Schneiderian membrane. The surgeon injects the regenerativematerial through the bore to below the membrane, forming a cavitydefined by the top of the ridge and the bottom of the membrane, whichcavity occupies a portion of the space initially occupied by themaxillary sinus.

To prevent potentially serious complications, the surgeon must becareful not to perforate the Schneiderian membrane. This is oftendifficult, because of the delicacy of the membrane, and the restrictedaccess afforded by the closed approach.

Hydraulic sinus lifting is performed by applying hydraulic pressurebetween the sinus floor and the Schneiderian membrane. The hydraulicelevation can be performed via a crestal or lateral approach. Once themembrane is elevated, using a hydraulic, closed, or lateral windowtechnique, a bone graft material is applied, typically using one of twoconventional techniques. The first conventional technique is themechanical insertion of bone graft, which is formulated in smallparticles. This technique is manually demanding, and it may causeapplication of unequal stresses to the membrane, which may result inperforation of the membrane. The second conventional technique is theinjection of bone graft in a gel formulation by applying the sameprinciples of hydraulic elevation used during raising of the membrane.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the present invention provide surgical tools andmethods for use in conjunction with minimally-invasive sinus lifttechniques for performing a bone augmentation procedure on the maxillaryalveolar ridge while reducing the risk of perforating the Schneiderianmembrane and of infection.

For some applications, the surgical tool is configured to inject,through a bore (osteotomy) and into a sinus cavity, a solid-liquidcomposition of bone graft particles and a physiological liquid solution,and to drain the physiological liquid solution through the same bore,leaving the bone graft particles in the cavity. Typically, a filter ofthe surgical tool is used to inhibit passage of bone graft particlesfrom the cavity. Typically, hydraulic pressure is equally applied on theSchneiderian membrane by the solid-liquid composition throughout theinjection of the solid-liquid composition. Such uniform hydraulicpressure prevents bone graft particles from applying local or unevenpressure on the Schneiderian membrane, and thus reduces the risk ofperforation. The surgeon further screws an implant into the bone graftmaterial in the cavity, either during the same procedure or after bonegrows into the bone graft material. After bone grows into the bone graftmaterial, a dental appliance, such as a crown, is coupled to theimplant.

For some applications, the surgical tool comprises a compositiondelivery source, which comprises a chamber, a solid-liquid compositiondelivery tube, a mixing tube, and a liquid-supply tube. The chambercomprises a filter, which is disposed within the chamber so as to dividethe chamber into a liquid compartment and a solid-liquid compositioncompartment. The chamber is shaped so as to define (a) one or moreliquid ports in fluid communication with the liquid compartment, and (b)one or more solid-liquid composition ports in fluid communication withthe solid-liquid composition compartment. The solid-liquid compositiondelivery tube is in fluid communication with at least one of the one ormore solid-liquid composition ports. The mixing tube is in fluidcommunication with at least one of the one or more liquid ports and atleast one of the one or more solid-liquid composition ports. Theliquid-supply tube is in fluid communication with at least one of theone or more liquid ports, and is coupled in fluid communication with aninterior of the liquid solution container.

For some applications, the surgical tool further comprises a pump unit,which comprises (a) a mixing pump, which is arranged to cause flow inthe mixing tube, and (b) a liquid-supply pump, which is arranged tocause flow in the liquid-supply tube. Typically, the mixing pump isarranged to cause, in the mixing tube, flow that raises the solid bonegraft particles in a puff into the physiological liquid solution in thechamber. For some applications, the mixing pump and the liquid-supplypump are respective peristaltic pumps.

For some applications, the pump unit further comprises controlcircuitry, which is configured to repeatedly:

-   -   assume a mixing activation state, in which the control circuitry        activates the mixing pump to mix the solid bone graft particles        and the physiological liquid solution in the solid-liquid        composition compartment to form a solid-liquid composition, by        pumping the physiological liquid solution through the mixing        tube and into the solid-liquid composition compartment, and    -   assume a particle-delivery activation state, wherein the control        circuitry, during at least a portion of the particle-delivery        activation state, activates the liquid-supply pump to apply        positive pressure to pump the solid-liquid composition from the        solid-liquid composition compartment into the solid-liquid        composition delivery tube.

For some applications, the control circuitry is configured, during eachof one or more negative-positive particle delivery cycles of theparticle-delivery activation state, to assume:

-   -   a negative particle-delivery activation sub-state, in which the        control circuitry activates the liquid-supply pump to apply        negative pressure to pump liquid from the solid-liquid        composition delivery tube toward the liquid compartment via the        solid-liquid composition compartment, and    -   a positive particle-delivery activation sub-state, in which the        control circuitry activates the liquid-supply pump to apply the        positive pressure to pump the solid-liquid composition from the        solid-liquid composition compartment into the solid-liquid        composition delivery tube, wherein a direction of pumping of the        liquid-supply pump in the positive particle-delivery activation        sub-state is opposite a direction of pumping of the        liquid-supply pump in the negative particle-delivery activation        sub-state.

For some applications, the surgical tool comprises an automated devicethat both prepares (e.g., mixes) and delivers the solid-liquidcomposition during the procedure.

There is therefore provided, in accordance with an inventive concept 1of the present invention, apparatus for use with solid particles and aliquid container containing a physiological liquid solution, theapparatus comprising:

-   -   (1) a composition delivery source, which comprises:        -   (a) a chamber, which:            -   (i) comprises a filter, which is disposed within the                chamber so as to divide the chamber into a liquid                compartment and a solid-liquid composition compartment,                and            -   (ii) is shaped so as to define (A) one or more liquid                ports in fluid communication with the liquid                compartment, and (B) one or more solid-liquid                composition ports in fluid communication with the                solid-liquid composition compartment;        -   (b) a solid-liquid composition delivery tube, which is in            fluid communication with at least one of the one or more            solid-liquid composition ports;        -   (c) a mixing tube, which is in fluid communication with at            least one of the one or more liquid ports and at least one            of the one or more solid-liquid composition ports; and        -   (d) a liquid-supply tube, which is in fluid communication            with at least one of the one or more liquid ports, and is            coupled in fluid communication with an interior of the            liquid solution container; and    -   (2) a pump unit, which comprises:        -   (a) a mixing pump, which is arranged to cause flow in the            mixing tube; and        -   (b) a liquid-supply pump, which is arranged to cause flow in            the liquid-supply tube.

-   Inventive concept 2. The apparatus according to inventive concept 1,    wherein the solid particles are solid bone graft particles, and    wherein the apparatus is for use with the solid bone graft    particles.

-   Inventive concept 3. The apparatus according to inventive concept 1,    further comprising the solid particles, wherein the filter is    configured to inhibit passage of the solid particles and allow    passage of the physiological liquid solution.

-   Inventive concept 4. The apparatus according to inventive concept 1,    wherein the mixing pump is arranged to cause, in the mixing tube,    flow that raises the solid particles in a puff into the    physiological liquid solution in the solid-liquid composition    compartment.

-   Inventive concept 5. The apparatus according to inventive concept 1,    wherein a closest distance between the one or more solid-liquid    composition ports and the filter equals at least 5 mm.

-   Inventive concept 6. The apparatus according to inventive concept 5,    wherein the closest distance equals at least 10 mm.

-   Inventive concept 7. The apparatus according to inventive concept 1,    wherein a closest distance between the one or more solid-liquid    composition ports and the filter equals at least 75% of a distance    between the filter and a point on an interior of a wall of the    solid-liquid composition compartment farthest from the filter.

-   Inventive concept 8. The apparatus according to inventive concept 1,    wherein the mixing tube (a) merges with the liquid-supply tube at an    exit junction, and (b) is in fluid communication with the at least    one of the one or more liquid ports via a portion of the    liquid-supply tube.

-   Inventive concept 9. The apparatus according to inventive concept 1,    wherein the liquid-supply tube (a) merges with the mixing tube at an    exit junction, and (b) is in fluid communication with the at least    one of the one or more liquid ports via a portion of the mixing    tube.

-   Inventive concept 10. The apparatus according to inventive concept    1, wherein the chamber is shaped so as to define exactly one liquid    port in fluid communication with the liquid compartment.

-   Inventive concept 11. The apparatus according to inventive concept    1, wherein the chamber is shaped so as to define exactly one    solid-liquid composition port in fluid communication with the    solid-liquid composition compartment.

-   Inventive concept 12. The apparatus according to inventive concept    1,

wherein the chamber is shaped so as to define exactly one liquid port influid communication with the liquid compartment, and

wherein the chamber is shaped so as to define exactly one solid-liquidcomposition port in fluid communication with the solid-liquidcomposition compartment.

-   Inventive concept 13. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 1-12, wherein the pump unit further comprises    control circuitry, which is configured to repeatedly:

(a) assume a mixing activation state, in which the control circuitryactivates the mixing pump to mix the solid particles and thephysiological liquid solution in the solid-liquid compositioncompartment to form a solid-liquid composition, by pumping thephysiological liquid solution through the mixing tube and into thesolid-liquid composition compartment, and

(b) assume a particle-delivery activation state, wherein the controlcircuitry, during at least a portion of the particle-delivery activationstate, activates the liquid-supply pump to apply positive pressure topump the solid-liquid composition from the solid-liquid compositioncompartment into the solid-liquid composition delivery tube.

-   Inventive concept 14. The apparatus according to inventive concept    13, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the mixing    activation state and the particle-delivery activation state at the    same time.-   Inventive concept 15. The apparatus according to inventive concept    13, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the mixing    activation stale and the particle-delivery activation state at    partially-overlapping times.-   Inventive concept 16. The apparatus according to inventive concept    13, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the mixing    activation state and the particle-delivery activation state at    non-overlapping times.-   Inventive concept 17. The apparatus according to inventive concept    16, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    particle-delivery activation state within 500 ms after completing    the mixing activation state.-   Inventive concept 18. The apparatus according to inventive concept    17, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    particle-delivery activation state within 100 ms after completing    the mixing activation state.-   Inventive concept 19. The apparatus according to inventive concept    16, wherein the control circuitry is configured to repeatedly, in    alternation, (a) assume the mixing activation state for between 100    and 1200 ms, and (b) assume the particle-delivery activation state.-   Inventive concept 20. The apparatus according to inventive concept    19, wherein the control circuitry is configured to repeatedly, in    alternation, (a) assume the mixing activation state for between 100    and 1200 ms, and (b) assume the particle-delivery activation state    for between 150 and 3000 ms.-   Inventive concept 21. The apparatus according to inventive concept    13, wherein the control circuitry is configured to, when in the    particle-delivery activation state, activate the liquid-supply pump    to apply the positive pressure to pump the physiological liquid    solution (a) from the liquid solution container, (b) through the    liquid-supply tube, (c) into the liquid compartment, (d) through the    filter, (e) into the solid-liquid composition compartment, (f) from    the solid-liquid composition compartment, and (g) to the    solid-liquid composition delivery tube.-   Inventive concept 22. The apparatus according to inventive concept    13, wherein the control circuitry is configured to repeatedly assume    the mixing activation state and the particle-delivery activation    state over a time period having a duration of between 30 and 600    seconds.-   Inventive concept 23. The apparatus according to inventive concept    13, wherein the control circuitry is configured, during each of one    or more negative-positive particle delivery cycles of the    particle-delivery activation state, to assume:

a negative particle-delivery activation sub-state, in which the controlcircuitry activates the liquid-supply pump to apply negative pressure topump liquid from the solid-liquid composition delivery tube toward theliquid compartment via the solid-liquid composition compartment, and

a positive particle-delivery activation sub-state, in which the controlcircuitry activates the liquid-supply pump to apply the positivepressure to pump the solid-liquid composition from the solid-liquidcomposition compartment into the solid-liquid composition delivery tube,wherein a direction of pumping of the liquid-supply pump in the positiveparticle-delivery activation sub-state is opposite a direction ofpumping of the liquid-supply pump in the negative particle-deliveryactivation sub-state.

-   Inventive concept 24. The apparatus according to inventive concept    23, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the mixing    activation state and the particle-delivery activation state at    non-overlapping times.-   Inventive concept 25. The apparatus according to inventive concept    23, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the mixing    activation state and the negative particle-delivery activation    sub-state at partially-overlapping times.-   Inventive concept 26. The apparatus according to inventive concept    23, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    particle-delivery activation state in a plurality of    particle-delivery-state cycles, and to begin the particle-delivery    activation state in each of the particle-delivery-state cycles with    the negative particle-delivery activation sub-state.-   Inventive concept 27. The apparatus according to inventive concept    23, wherein the control circuitry is configured to repeatedly, in    alternation, (a) assume the mixing activation state for between 100    and 1200 ms, and (b) assume the particle-delivery activation state.-   Inventive concept 28. The apparatus according to inventive concept    23, wherein the control circuitry is configured to provide a    plurality of the negative-positive particle delivery cycles during    the particle-delivery activation state.-   Inventive concept 29. The apparatus according to inventive concept    28, wherein the control circuitry is configured to provide up to 10    of the negative-positive particle delivery cycles during the    particle-delivery activation state.-   Inventive concept 30. The apparatus according to inventive concept    23, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    negative particle-delivery activation sub-state for between 25 and    300 ms during each of the one or more negative-positive particle    delivery cycles.-   Inventive concept 31. The apparatus according to inventive concept    30, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    negative particle-delivery activation sub-state for between 25 and    100 ms during each of the one or more negative-positive particle    delivery cycles.-   Inventive concept 32. The apparatus according to inventive concept    23, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    positive particle-delivery activation sub-state for between 25 and    300 ms during each of the one or more negative-positive particle    delivery cycles.-   Inventive concept 33. The apparatus according to inventive concept    32, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    positive particle-delivery activation sub-state for between 25 and    100 ms during each of the one or more negative-positive particle    delivery cycles.-   Inventive concept 34. The apparatus according to inventive concept    23, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    negative particle-delivery activation sub-state for between 25 and    300 ms during each of the one or more negative-positive particle    delivery cycles, and to assume the positive particle-delivery    activation sub-state for between 25 and 300 ms during each of the    one or more negative-positive particle delivery cycles.-   Inventive concept 35. The apparatus according to inventive concept    23, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    negative particle-delivery activation sub-state for a first duration    during each of the one or more negative-positive particle delivery    cycles, and to assume the positive particle-delivery activation    sub-state for a second duration during each of the one or more    negative-positive particle delivery cycles, the second duration    equal to between 80% and 120% of the first duration.-   Inventive concept 36. The apparatus according to inventive concept    23, wherein the control circuitry is configured to, when in the    negative particle-delivery activation sub-state, activate the    liquid-supply pump to pump the liquid from the solid-liquid    composition delivery tube, into the solid-liquid composition    compartment, and into the liquid compartment.-   Inventive concept 37. The apparatus according to inventive concept    23,

wherein the liquid-supply pump is a liquid-supply peristaltic pump,which comprises a rotor,

wherein the liquid-supply peristaltic pump is capable of (a) pumpingfluid at an average rate throughout a full 360-degree revolution of therotor at a certain speed, and (b) pumping fluid at a maximum rate duringportions of the full 360-degree revolution at the certain speed, themaximum rate greater than the average rate, and

wherein the control circuitry is configured, when in both the positiveand the negative particle-delivery activation sub-states, to activatethe liquid-supply peristaltic pump to (a) rotate the rotor, at thecertain speed, a partial revolution equal to a fraction of the full360-degree revolution of the rotor, the fraction less than 1, and (b)pump, throughout the partial revolution, the fluid at the maximum rate.

-   Inventive concept 38. The apparatus according to inventive concept    23,

wherein the liquid-supply pump is a liquid-supply peristaltic pump,which comprises a rotor, and

wherein the control circuitry is configured:

-   -   when in the positive particle-delivery activation sub-state, to        activate the liquid-supply peristaltic pump to rotate the rotor,        in a first rotational direction, a first partial revolution        equal to a fraction of a full 360-degree revolution of the        rotor, the fraction less than 1, and    -   when in the negative particle-delivery activation sub-state, to        activate the liquid-supply peristaltic pump to rotate the rotor,        in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational        direction, a second partial revolution equal to the fraction of        the full 360-degree revolution of the rotor.

-   Inventive concept 39. The apparatus according to inventive concept    23, wherein the control circuitry is configured:

when in the positive particle-delivery activation sub-state, to activatethe liquid-supply pump to pump a volume of between 0.1 and 2 cc offluid, and

when in the negative particle-delivery activation sub-state, to activatethe liquid-supply pump to pump the volume of fluid.

-   Inventive concept 40. The apparatus according to inventive concept    23,

wherein the liquid-supply pump is a liquid-supply peristaltic pump,which comprises a rotor, and

wherein the control circuitry is configured, when in the positiveparticle-delivery activation sub-state, to activate the liquid-supplyperistaltic pump to:

-   -   rotate the rotor a partial revolution equal to a fraction of a        full 360-degree revolution of the rotor, the fraction less than        1, and    -   pump, throughout the partial revolution, a volume of fluid that        is greater than the product of the fraction and a volume of        fluid pumpable throughout the full 360-degree revolution of the        rotor.

-   Inventive concept 41. The apparatus according to inventive concept    40, wherein the liquid-supply peristaltic pump further comprises a    total number of rollers equal to at least two, and wherein the    fraction is less than the quotient of 1 divided by the total number    of rollers.

-   Inventive concept 42. The apparatus according to inventive concept    41, wherein the fraction is less than or equal to the quotient of    0.5 divided by the total number of rollers.

-   Inventive concept 43. The apparatus according to inventive concept    23, wherein the control circuitry and the liquid-supply pump are    configured such that during at least a portion of the positive    particle-delivery activation sub-state, the liquid-supply pump pumps    the physiological liquid solution at a rate of at least 3 cc/sec.

-   Inventive concept 44. The apparatus according to inventive concept    43, wherein the rate is at least 7 cc/sec.

-   Inventive concept 45. The apparatus according to inventive concept    23, wherein the control circuitry and the liquid-supply pump are    configured such that during at least a portion of the negative    particle-delivery activation sub-state, the liquid-supply pump pumps    the physiological liquid solution at a rate of at least 3 cc/sec.

-   Inventive concept 46. The apparatus according to inventive concept    45, wherein the rate is at least 7 cc/sec.

-   Inventive concept 47. The apparatus according to inventive concept    13, wherein the control circuitry and the mixing pump are configured    such that during at least a portion of the mixing activation state    the mixing pump pumps the physiological liquid solution at a rate of    at least 3 cc/sec.

-   Inventive concept 48. The apparatus according to inventive concept    47, wherein the rate is at least 7 cc/sec.

-   Inventive concept 49. The apparatus according to inventive concept    13, wherein the control circuitry and the mixing pump are configured    such that throughout the mixing activation state the mixing pump    pumps between 0.5 and 9 cc of the physiological liquid solution.

-   Inventive concept 50. The apparatus according to inventive concept    49, wherein the control circuitry and the mixing pump are configured    such that throughout the mixing activation state the mixing pump    pumps between 1.8 and 3.9 cc of the physiological liquid solution.

-   Inventive concept 51. The apparatus according to inventive concept    13, wherein the liquid-supply pump is a liquid-supply peristaltic    pump, which comprises a rotor.

-   Inventive concept 52. The apparatus according to inventive concept    51, wherein the liquid-supply peristaltic pump comprises an index    sensor, which identifies a rotational position of the rotor.

-   Inventive concept 53. The apparatus according to inventive concept    51, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    particle-delivery activation state a plurality of times in    alternation with mixing activation states, and to begin each of the    particle-delivery activation states with the rotor at a same    rotational position.

-   Inventive concept 54. The apparatus according to inventive concept    13, wherein the mixing pump is a mixing peristaltic pump, which    comprises a rotor.

-   Inventive concept 55. The apparatus according to inventive concept    54, wherein the mixing peristaltic pump comprises an index sensor,    which identifies a rotational position of the rotor.

-   Inventive concept 56. The apparatus according to inventive concept    54,

wherein the mixing peristaltic pump comprises a total number of rollersequal to at least two, and

wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the mixingactivation state a plurality of times in alternation withparticle-delivery activation states, and to begin the mixing activationstates with the rotor at respective starting rotational positions, whichare identical to one another or rotationally offset from one another bythe product of (a) 360 degrees divided by the total number of rollersand (b) a positive integer.

-   Inventive concept 57. The apparatus according to inventive concept    54,

wherein the mixing peristaltic pump comprises (a) a pump casing that isshaped so as to define a partial-circle mixing tube channel in which themixing tube is disposed, and (b) an odd total number of rollers, the oddtotal number equal to at least one, and

wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the mixingactivation state a plurality of times in alternation withparticle-delivery activation states, and to begin each of the mixingactivation states with an aligned total number of the rollersrotationally aligned with the mixing tube channel, the aligned totalnumber equal to more than half of the odd total number.

-   Inventive concept 58. The apparatus according to inventive concept    57, wherein the odd total number equals at least three.-   Inventive concept 59. The apparatus according to inventive concept    13, wherein the control circuitry is configured to, before    repeatedly assuming the mixing and the particle-delivery activation    states, assume a filling state, in which the control circuitry    activates the liquid-supply pump to apply positive pressure to pump    a volume of the physiological liquid solution from the solid-liquid    composition compartment into the solid-liquid composition delivery    tube, the volume equal to between 0.5 and 3 cc.-   Inventive concept 60. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 1-12,

wherein the chamber comprises a receptacle component and a covercomponent,

wherein the cover component (a) comprises the filter, and (b) is shapedso as to define (i) a cap and (ii) a bone-graft container having anopening that (x) faces away from the cap and (y) is farther from the capthan the filter is from the cap, and

wherein the receptacle component and the cover component are shaped soas to be reversibly coupleable with each another to form a watertightseal, with the bone-graft container disposed within the receptaclecomponent.

-   Inventive concept 61. The apparatus according to inventive concept    60, wherein the bone-graft container has a volume of between 0.2 and    6 ml.-   Inventive concept 62. The apparatus according to inventive concept    60, wherein the chamber has a volume of between 0.2 and 20 ml.-   Inventive concept 63. The apparatus according to inventive concept    60, wherein a volume of the bone-graft container equals less than    50% of a volume of the chamber.-   Inventive concept 64. The apparatus according to inventive concept    63, wherein the volume of the bone-graft container equals less than    33% of the volume of the chamber.-   Inventive concept 65. The apparatus according to inventive concept    64, wherein the volume of the bone-graft container equals less than    20% of the volume of the chamber.-   Inventive concept 66. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 1-12, wherein the mixing pump and the    liquid-supply pump are respective peristaltic pumps.-   Inventive concept 67. The apparatus according to inventive concept    66, wherein the peristaltic pumps comprise respective rotors and    index sensors, which identify respective rotational positions of the    rotors.-   Inventive concept 68. The apparatus according to inventive concept    66, wherein the pump unit further comprises control circuitry, which    is configured to assume a mixing activation state, in which the    mixing peristaltic pump rotates between ⅓ and 3 revolutions.-   Inventive concept 69. The apparatus according to inventive concept    68, wherein the mixing peristaltic pump rotates one revolution    throughout the mixing activation state.-   Inventive concept 70. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 1-12, wherein the mixing tube (a) merges with the    solid-liquid composition delivery tube at a return junction, and (b)    is in fluid communication with the at least one of the one or more    solid-liquid composition ports via a portion of the solid-liquid    composition delivery tube.-   Inventive concept 71. The apparatus according to inventive concept    70, wherein a proximal end of the solid-liquid composition delivery    tube is in fluid communication with the at least one of the one or    more solid-liquid composition ports, and wherein a distance between    the return junction and the proximal end of the solid-liquid    composition delivery tube is less than 60 mm.-   Inventive concept 72. The apparatus according to inventive concept    71, wherein the distance is less than 20 mm.-   Inventive concept 73. The apparatus according to inventive concept    70, wherein an internal cross-sectional area of the solid-liquid    composition delivery tube perpendicular to an axis of the    solid-liquid composition delivery tube is non-decreasing from the    return junction to a distal end of the solid-liquid composition    delivery tube.-   Inventive concept 74. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 1-12, wherein the mixing tube (a) merges with the    solid-liquid composition delivery tube at a return junction, and (b)    is in fluid communication with the at least one of the one or more    solid-liquid composition ports via a portion of the solid-liquid    composition delivery tube.-   Inventive concept 75. The apparatus according to inventive concept    74,

wherein the chamber comprises a receptacle component and a covercomponent, which is shaped so as to define a cap,

wherein the return junction is disposed along a longitudinal portion ofthe solid-liquid composition delivery tube and around a circumferentialportion of the solid-liquid composition delivery tube,

wherein the longitudinal portion includes a point that is closest to thecap when the cap is coupled to the receptacle component, and

wherein the circumferential portion includes the point.

-   Inventive concept 76. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 1-12, wherein the apparatus further comprises a    shaft unit, which comprises a shaft delivery tube in fluid    communication with a distal end of the solid-liquid composition    delivery tube.-   Inventive concept 77. The apparatus according to inventive concept    76, wherein the shaft delivery tube is more rigid than at least a    portion of the solid-liquid composition delivery tube.-   Inventive concept 78. The apparatus according to inventive concept    76, wherein the shaft unit further comprises a removable depth    limiting element, which is configured to limit a depth of insertion    of the shaft delivery tube into a bore through a bone when the shaft    delivery tube is inserted into the bore.-   Inventive concept 79. The apparatus according to inventive concept    78,

wherein the shaft unit comprises a shaft delivery tube,

wherein the shaft unit further comprises a sealing element disposedaround an external surface of the shaft delivery tube, and

wherein the depth limiting element is removable from the shall unitwithout removal of the sealing element.

-   Inventive concept 80. The apparatus according to inventive concept    79, wherein a distal end of the shaft delivery tube is disposed more    distally than the sealing element by a distance of between 0 and 20    mm.-   Inventive concept 81. The apparatus according to inventive concept    80, wherein the distance is between 3 and 15 mm.-   Inventive concept 82. The apparatus according to inventive concept    76, wherein the shaft delivery tube is straight.-   Inventive concept 83. The apparatus according to inventive concept    82, wherein, when the chamber, the solid-liquid composition delivery    tube, and the shaft unit are unconstrained, respective central    longitudinal axes of the shaft delivery tube and a proximal    longitudinal portion of the solid-liquid composition delivery tube    form an angle of between 70 and 110 degrees.-   Inventive concept 84. The apparatus according to inventive concept    83, wherein the angle is between 85 and 95 degrees.-   Inventive concept 85. The apparatus according to inventive concept    82, wherein, when the chamber, the solid-liquid composition delivery    tube, and the shaft unit are unconstrained, a central longitudinal    axis of the shaft delivery tube and a plane defined by the filter    form an angle of between 70 and 110 degrees.-   Inventive concept 86. The apparatus according to inventive concept    82, wherein, when the chamber and the solid-liquid composition    delivery tube are unconstrained, (a) a central longitudinal axis of    a proximal longitudinal portion of the solid-liquid composition    delivery tube and (b) a plane defined by the filter are parallel or    form an angle of less than 20 degrees.

There is further provided, in accordance with an inventive concept 87 ofthe present invention, apparatus for use with solid particles and aliquid container containing a physiological liquid solution, theapparatus comprising a composition delivery source, which comprises:

(a) a chamber, which:

-   -   (i) comprises a filter, which is disposed within the chamber so        as to divide the chamber into a liquid compartment and a        solid-liquid composition compartment, and    -   (ii) is shaped so as to define (A) one or more liquid ports in        fluid communication with the liquid compartment, and (B) one or        more solid-liquid composition ports in fluid communication with        the solid-liquid composition compartment;

(b) a solid-liquid composition delivery tube, which is in fluidcommunication with at least one of the one or more solid-liquidcomposition ports;

(c) a mixing tube, which is in fluid communication with at least one ofthe one or more liquid ports and at least one of the one or moresolid-liquid composition ports; and

(d) a liquid-supply tube, which is in fluid communication with at leastone of the one or more liquid ports, and is coupled in fluidcommunication with an interior of the liquid solution container.

-   Inventive concept 88. The apparatus according to inventive concept    87, wherein the solid particles are solid bone graft particles, and    wherein the apparatus is for use with the solid bone graft    particles.-   Inventive concept 89. The apparatus according to inventive concept    87, further comprising the solid particles, wherein the filter is    configured to inhibit passage of the solid particles and allow    passage of the physiological liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 90. The apparatus according to inventive concept    87, wherein a closest distance between the one or more solid-liquid    composition ports and the filter equals at least 5 mm.-   Inventive concept 91. The apparatus according to inventive concept    90, wherein the closest distance equals at least 10 mm.-   Inventive concept 92. The apparatus according to inventive concept    87, wherein a closest distance between the one or more solid-liquid    composition ports and the filter equals at least 75% of a distance    between the filter and a point on an interior of a wall of the    solid-liquid composition compartment farthest from the filter.-   Inventive concept 93. The apparatus according to inventive concept    87, wherein the mixing tube (a) merges with the liquid-supply tube    at an exit junction, and (b) is in fluid communication with the at    least one of the one or more liquid ports via a portion of the    liquid-supply tube.-   Inventive concept 94. The apparatus according to inventive concept    87, wherein the liquid-supply tube (a) merges with the mixing tube    at an exit junction, and (b) is in fluid communication with the at    least one of the one or more liquid ports via a portion of the    mixing tube.-   Inventive concept 95. The apparatus according to inventive concept    87, wherein the chamber is shaped so as to define exactly one liquid    port in fluid communication with the liquid compartment.-   Inventive concept 96. The apparatus according to inventive concept    87, wherein the chamber is shaped so as to define exactly one    solid-liquid composition port in fluid communication with the    solid-liquid composition compartment.-   Inventive concept 97. The apparatus according to inventive concept    87,

wherein the chamber is shaped so as to define exactly one liquid port influid communication with the liquid compartment, and

wherein the chamber is shaped so as to define exactly one solid-liquidcomposition port in fluid communication with the solid-liquidcomposition compartment.

-   Inventive concept 98. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 87-97,

wherein the chamber comprises a receptacle component and a covercomponent,

wherein the cover component (a) comprises the filter, and (b) is shapedso as to define (i) a cap and (ii) a bone-graft container having anopening that (x) faces away from the cap and (y) is farther from the capthan the filter is from the cap, and

wherein the receptacle component and the cover component are shaped soas to be reversibly coupleable with each another to form a watertightseal, with the bone-graft container disposed within the receptaclecomponent.

-   Inventive concept 99. The apparatus according to inventive concept    98, wherein the bone-graft container has a volume of between 0.2 and    6 ml.-   Inventive concept 100. The apparatus according to inventive concept    98, wherein the chamber has a volume of between 0.2 and 20 ml.-   Inventive concept 101. The apparatus according to inventive concept    98, wherein a volume of the bone-graft container equals less than    50% of a volume of the chamber.-   Inventive concept 102. The apparatus according to inventive concept    101, wherein the volume of the bone-graft container equals less than    33% of the volume of the chamber.-   Inventive concept 103. The apparatus according to inventive concept    102, wherein the volume of the bone-graft container equals less than    20% of the volume of the chamber.-   Inventive concept 104. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 87-97, wherein the mixing tube (a) merges with    the solid-liquid composition delivery tube at a return junction,    and (b) is in fluid communication with the at least one of the one    or more solid-liquid composition ports via a portion of the    solid-liquid composition delivery tube.-   Inventive concept 105. The apparatus according to inventive concept    104, wherein a proximal end of the solid-liquid composition delivery    tube is in fluid communication with the at least one of the one or    more solid-liquid composition ports, and wherein a distance between    the return junction and the proximal end of the solid-liquid    composition delivery tube is less than 60 mm.-   Inventive concept 106. The apparatus according to inventive concept    105, wherein the distance is less than 20 mm.-   Inventive concept 107. The apparatus according to inventive concept    104, wherein an internal cross-sectional area of the solid-liquid    composition delivery tube perpendicular to an axis of the    solid-liquid composition delivery tube is non-decreasing from the    return junction to a distal end of the solid-liquid composition    delivery tube.-   Inventive concept 108. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 87-97, wherein the mixing tube (a) merges with    the solid-liquid composition delivery tube at a return junction,    and (b) is in fluid communication with the at least one of the one    or more solid-liquid composition ports via a portion of the    solid-liquid composition delivery tube.-   Inventive concept 109. The apparatus according to inventive concept    108,

wherein the chamber comprises a receptacle component and a covercomponent which is shaped so as to define a cap,

wherein the return junction is disposed along a longitudinal portion ofthe solid-liquid composition delivery tube and around a circumferentialportion of the solid-liquid composition delivery tube,

wherein the longitudinal portion includes a point that is closest to thecap when the cap is coupled to the receptacle component, and

wherein the circumferential portion includes the point.

-   Inventive concept 110. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 87-97, wherein the apparatus further comprises a    shaft unit, which comprises a shaft delivery tube in fluid    communication with a distal end of the solid-liquid composition    delivery tube.-   Inventive concept 111. The apparatus according to inventive concept    110, wherein the shaft delivery tube is more rigid than at least a    portion of the solid-liquid composition delivery tube.-   Inventive concept 112. The apparatus according to inventive concept    110, wherein the shaft unit further comprises a removable depth    limiting element, which is configured to limit a depth of insertion    of the shaft delivery tube into a bore through a bone when the shaft    delivery tube is inserted into the bore.-   Inventive concept 113. The apparatus according to inventive concept    112,

wherein the shaft unit comprises a shaft delivery tube,

wherein the shaft unit further comprises a sealing element disposedaround an external surface of the shaft delivery tube, and

wherein the depth limiting element is removable from the shaft unitwithout removal of the sealing element.

-   Inventive concept 114. The apparatus according to inventive concept    113, wherein a distal end of the shaft delivery tube is disposed    more distally than the sealing element by a distance of between 0    and 20 mm.-   Inventive concept 115. The apparatus according to inventive concept    114, wherein the distance is between 3 and 15 mm.-   Inventive concept 116. The apparatus according to inventive concept    110, wherein the shaft delivery tube is straight.-   Inventive concept 117. The apparatus according to inventive concept    116, wherein, when the chamber, the solid-liquid composition    delivery tube, and the shaft unit are unconstrained, respective    central longitudinal axes of the shaft delivery tube and a proximal    longitudinal portion of the solid-liquid composition delivery tube    form an angle of between 70 and 110 degrees.-   Inventive concept 118. The apparatus according to inventive concept    117, wherein the angle is between 85 and 95 degrees.-   Inventive concept 119. The apparatus according to inventive concept    116, wherein, when the chamber, the solid-liquid composition    delivery tube, and the shaft unit are unconstrained, a central    longitudinal axis of the shaft delivery tube and a plane defined by    the filter form an angle of between 70 and 110 degrees.-   Inventive concept 120. The apparatus according to inventive concept    116, wherein, when the chamber and the solid-liquid composition    delivery tube are unconstrained, (a) a central longitudinal axis of    a proximal longitudinal portion of the solid-liquid composition    delivery tube and (b) a plane defined by the filter are parallel or    form an angle of less than 20 degrees.

There is still further provided, in accordance with an inventive concept121 of the present invention, apparatus for use with solid particles anda liquid container containing a physiological liquid solution, theapparatus comprising a pump unit, which comprises:

(a) a mixing pump;

(b) a liquid-supply pump; and

(c) control circuitry, which is configured to repeatedly:

-   -   (i) assume a mixing activation state, in which the control        circuitry activates the mixing pump, and    -   (ii) assume a particle-delivery activation state,

wherein the control circuitry is configured, during each of one or morenegative-positive particle delivery cycles of the particle-deliveryactivation state, to assume:

-   -   a negative particle-delivery activation sub-state, in which the        control circuitry activates the liquid-supply pump apply        negative pressure to pump in a first direction, and    -   thereafter, a positive particle-delivery activation sub-state,        in which the control circuitry activates the liquid-supply pump        to apply positive pressure to pump in a second direction        opposite the first direction.

-   Inventive concept 122. The apparatus according to inventive concept    121, wherein the solid particles are solid bone graft particles, and    wherein the apparatus is for use with the solid bone graft    particles.

-   Inventive concept 123. The apparatus according to inventive concept    121, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    mixing activation state and the particle-delivery activation state    at the same time.

-   Inventive concept 124. The apparatus according to inventive concept    121, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    mixing activation state and the particle-delivery activation state    at partially-overlapping times.

-   Inventive concept 125. The apparatus according to inventive concept    121, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    mixing activation state and the particle-delivery activation state    at non-overlapping times.

-   Inventive concept 126. The apparatus according to inventive concept    125, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    particle-delivery activation state within 500 ms after completing    the mixing activation state.

-   Inventive concept 127. The apparatus according to inventive concept    126, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    particle-delivery activation state within 100 ms after completing    the mixing activation state.

-   Inventive concept 128. The apparatus according to inventive concept    125, wherein the control circuitry is configured to repeatedly, in    alternation, (a) assume the mixing activation state for between 100    and 1200 ms, and (b) assume the particle-delivery activation state.

-   Inventive concept 129. The apparatus according to inventive concept    128, wherein the control circuitry is configured to repeatedly, in    alternation, (a) assume the mixing activation state for between 100    and 1200 ms, and (b) assume the particle-delivery activation state    for between 150 and 3000 ms.

-   Inventive concept 130. The apparatus according to inventive concept    121, wherein the control circuitry is configured to repeatedly    assume the mixing activation state and the particle-delivery    activation state over a time period having a duration of between 30    and 600 seconds.

-   Inventive concept 131. The apparatus according to inventive concept    121, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    particle-delivery activation state in a plurality of    particle-delivery-state cycles, and to begin the particle-delivery    activation state in each of the particle-delivery-state cycles with    the negative particle-delivery activation sub-state.

-   Inventive concept 132. The apparatus according to inventive concept    121, wherein the control circuitry is configured to repeatedly, in    alternation, (a) assume the mixing activation state for between 100    and 1200 ms, and (b) assume the particle-delivery activation state.

-   Inventive concept 133. The apparatus according to inventive concept    121, wherein the control circuitry is configured to provide a    plurality of the negative-positive particle delivery cycles during    the particle-delivery activation state.

-   Inventive concept 134. The apparatus according to inventive concept    133, wherein the control circuitry is configured to provide up to 10    of the negative-positive particle delivery cycles during the    particle-delivery activation state.

-   Inventive concept 135. The apparatus according to inventive concept    121, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    negative particle-delivery activation sub-state for between 25 and    300 ms during each of the one or more negative-positive particle    delivery cycles.

-   Inventive concept 136. The apparatus according to inventive concept    135, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    negative particle-delivery activation sub-state for between 25 and    100 ms during each of the one or more negative-positive particle    delivery cycles

-   137. The apparatus according to inventive concept 121, wherein the    control circuitry is configured to assume the positive    particle-delivery activation sub-state for between 25 and 300 ms    during each of the one or more negative-positive particle delivery    cycles.

-   Inventive concept 138. The apparatus according to inventive concept    137, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    positive particle-delivery activation sub-state for between 25 and    100 ms during each of the one or more negative-positive particle    delivery cycles.

-   Inventive concept 139. The apparatus according to inventive concept    121, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    negative particle-delivery activation sub-state for between 25 and    300 ms during each of the one or more negative-positive particle    delivery cycles, and to assume the positive particle-delivery    activation sub-state for between 25 and 300 ms during each of the    one or more negative-positive particle delivery cycles.

-   Inventive concept 140. The apparatus according to inventive concept    121, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    negative particle-delivery activation sub-state for a first duration    during each of the one or more negative-positive particle delivery    cycles, and to assume the positive particle-delivery activation    sub-state for a second duration during each of the one or more    negative-positive particle delivery cycles, the second duration    equal to between 80% and 120% of the first duration.

-   Inventive concept 141. The apparatus according to inventive concept    121,

wherein the liquid-supply pump is a liquid-supply peristaltic pump,which comprises a rotor,

wherein the liquid-supply peristaltic pump is capable of (a) pumpingfluid at an average rate throughout a full 360-degree revolution of therotor at a certain speed, and (b) pumping fluid at a maximum rate duringportions of the full 360-degree revolution at the certain speed, themaximum rate greater than the average rate, and

wherein the control circuitry is configured, when in both the positiveand the negative particle-delivery activation sub-states, to activatethe liquid-supply peristaltic pump to (a) rotate the rotor, at thecertain speed, a partial revolution equal to a fraction of the full360-degree revolution of the rotor, the fraction less than 1, and (b)pump, throughout the partial revolution, the fluid at the maximum rate.

-   Inventive concept 142. The apparatus according to inventive concept    121,

wherein the liquid-supply pump is a liquid-supply peristaltic pump,which comprises a rotor, and

wherein the control circuitry is configured:

-   -   when in the positive particle-delivery activation sub-state, to        activate the liquid-supply peristaltic pump to rotate the rotor,        in a first rotational direction, a first partial revolution        equal to a fraction of a full 360-degree revolution of the        rotor, the fraction less than 1, and    -   when in the negative particle-delivery activation sub-state, to        activate the liquid-supply peristaltic pump to rotate the rotor,        in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational        direction, a second partial revolution equal to the fraction of        the full 360-degree revolution of the rotor.

-   Inventive concept 143. The apparatus according to inventive concept    121, wherein the control circuitry is configured:

when in the positive particle-delivery activation sub-state, to activatethe liquid-supply pump to pump a volume of between 0.1 and 2 cc offluid, and

when in the negative particle-delivery activation sub-state, to activatethe liquid-supply pump to pump the volume of fluid.

-   Inventive concept 144. The apparatus according to inventive concept    121, wherein the control circuitry and the liquid-supply pump are    configured such that during at least a portion of the positive    particle-delivery activation sub-state, the liquid-supply pump pumps    the physiological liquid solution at a rate of at least 3 cc/sec.-   Inventive concept 145. The apparatus according to inventive concept    144, wherein the rate is at least 7 cc/sec.-   Inventive concept 146. The apparatus according to inventive concept    121, wherein the control circuitry and the liquid-supply pump are    configured such that during at least a portion of the negative    particle-delivery activation sub-state, the liquid-supply pump pumps    the physiological liquid solution at a rate of at least 3 cc/sec.-   Inventive concept 147. The apparatus according to inventive concept    146, wherein the rate is at least 7 cc/sec.-   Inventive concept 148. The apparatus according to inventive concept    121, wherein the control circuitry and the mixing pump are    configured such that during at least a portion of the mixing    activation state the mixing pump pumps the physiological liquid    solution at a rate or at least 3 cc/sec.-   Inventive concept 149. The apparatus according to inventive concept    148, wherein the rate is at least 7 cc/sec.-   Inventive concept 150. The apparatus according to inventive concept    121, wherein the control circuitry and the mixing pump are    configured such that throughout the mixing activation state the    mixing pump pumps between 0.5 and 9 cc of the physiological liquid    solution.-   Inventive concept 151. The apparatus according to inventive concept    150, wherein the control circuitry and the mixing pump are    configured such that throughout the mixing activation state the    mixing pump pumps between 1.8 and 3.9 cc of the physiological liquid    solution.-   Inventive concept 152. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 121-151,

wherein the liquid-supply pump is a liquid-supply peristaltic pump,which comprises a rotor, and

wherein the control circuitry is configured, when in the positiveparticle-delivery activation sub-state, to activate the liquid-supplyperistaltic pump to:

-   -   rotate the rotor a partial revolution equal to a fraction of a        full 360-degree revolution of the rotor, the fraction less than        1, and    -   pump, throughout the partial revolution, a volume of fluid that        is greater than the product of the fraction and a volume of        fluid pumpable throughout the full 360-degree revolution of the        rotor.

-   Inventive concept 153. The apparatus according to inventive concept    152, wherein the liquid-supply peristaltic pump further comprises a    total number of rollers equal to at least two, and wherein the    fraction is less than the quotient of 1 divided by the total number    of rollers.

-   Inventive concept 154. The apparatus according to inventive concept    153, wherein the fraction is less than or equal to the quotient of    0.5 divided by the total number of rollers.

-   Inventive concept 155. The apparatus according, to any one of    inventive concepts 121-151, wherein the liquid-supply pump is a    liquid-supply peristaltic pump, which comprises a rotor.

-   Inventive concept 156. The apparatus according to inventive concept    155, wherein the liquid-supply peristaltic pump comprises an index    sensor, which identifies a rotational position of the rotor.

-   Inventive concept 157. The apparatus according to inventive concept    155, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the    particle-delivery activation state a plurality of times in    alternation with mixing activation states, and to begin each of the    particle-delivery activation states with the rotor at a same    rotational position.

-   Inventive concept 158. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 121-151, wherein the mixing pump is a mixing    peristaltic pump, which comprises a rotor.

-   Inventive concept 159. The apparatus according to inventive concept    158, wherein the mixing peristaltic pump comprises an index sensor,    which identifies a rotational position of the rotor.

-   Inventive concept 160. The apparatus according to inventive concept    158,

wherein the mixing peristaltic pump comprises a total number of rollersequal to at least two, and

wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the mixingactivation state a plurality of times in alternation withparticle-delivery activation states, and to begin the mixing activationstates with the rotor at respective starting rotational positions, whichare identical to one another or rotationally offset from one another bythe product of (a) 360 degrees divided by the total number of rollersand (b) a positive integer.

-   Inventive concept 161. The apparatus according to inventive concept    158,

wherein the mixing peristaltic pump comprises (a) a pump casing that isshaped so as to define a partial-circle mixing tube channel in which themixing tube is disposed, and (b) an odd total number of rollers, the oddtotal number equal to at least one, and

wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the mixingactivation state a plurality of times in alternation withparticle-delivery activation states, and to begin each of the mixingactivation states with an aligned total number of the rollersrotationally aligned with the mixing tube channel, the aligned totalnumber equal to more than half of the odd total number.

-   Inventive concept 162. The apparatus according to inventive concept    161, wherein the odd total number equals at least three.-   Inventive concept 163. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 121-151, wherein the mixing pump and the    liquid-supply pump are respective peristaltic pumps.-   Inventive concept 164. The apparatus according to inventive concept    163, wherein the peristaltic pumps comprise respective rotors and    index sensors, which identify respective rotational positions of the    rotors.-   Inventive concept 165. The apparatus according to inventive concept    163, wherein the control circuitry is configured to rotate the    mixing peristaltic pump rotates between ⅓ and 3 revolutions in the    mixing activation state.-   Inventive concept 166. The apparatus according to inventive concept    165, wherein the mixing peristaltic pump rotates one revolution    throughout the mixing activation state.

There is additionally provided, in accordance with an inventive concept167 of the present invention, apparatus for use with solid particles anda physiological liquid solution, the apparatus comprising:

a composition delivery source, which comprises:

-   -   (a) a chamber, which is shaped so as to define one or more        liquid ports and one or more solid-liquid composition ports;    -   (b) a solid-liquid composition delivery tube, which is fluid        communication with at least one of the one or more solid-liquid        composition ports; and    -   (c) a mixing tube, which is in fluid communication with at least        one of the one or more liquid ports and at least one of the one        or more solid-liquid composition ports; and

a pump unit, which comprises a mixing pump, which is arranged to cause,in the mixing tube, flow that raises the solid particles in a puff intothe physiological liquid solution in the chamber.

-   Inventive concept 168. The apparatus according to inventive concept    167, wherein the solid particles are solid bone graft particles, and    wherein the apparatus is for use with the solid bone graft    particles.-   Inventive concept 169. The apparatus according to inventive concept    167,

wherein the chamber comprises a filter, which is disposed within thechamber so as to divide the chamber into a liquid compartment and asolid-liquid composition compartment,

wherein the one or more liquid ports are in fluid communication with theliquid compartment, and

wherein the one or more solid-liquid composition ports are in fluidcommunication with the solid-liquid composition compartment.

-   Inventive concept 170. The apparatus according to inventive concept    169, further comprising the solid particles, wherein the filter is    configured to inhibit passage of the solid particles and allow    passage of the physiological liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 171. The apparatus according to inventive concept    169, for use with a liquid container,

wherein the composition delivery source further comprises aliquid-supply tube, which is in fluid communication with at least one ofthe one or more liquid ports, and is coupled in fluid communication withan interior of the liquid solution container, and

wherein the pump unit further comprises a liquid-supply pump, which isarranged to cause flow in the liquid-supply tube.

There is yet additionally provided, in accordance with an inventiveconcept 172 of the present invention, a method for use with solidparticles and a liquid container containing a physiological liquidsolution, the method comprising:

providing a composition delivery source, which comprises (a) a chamber,which (i) comprises a filter, which is disposed within the chamber so asto divide the chamber into a liquid compartment and a solid-liquidcomposition compartment, and (ii) is shaped so as to define (A) one ormore liquid ports in fluid communication with the liquid compartment,and (B) one or more solid-liquid composition ports in fluidcommunication with the solid-liquid composition compartment; (b) asolid-liquid composition delivery tube, which is in fluid communicationwith at least one of the one or more solid-liquid composition ports; (c)a mixing tube, which is in fluid communication with at least one of theone or more liquid ports and at least one of the one or moresolid-liquid composition ports; and (d) a liquid-supply tube, which isin fluid communication with at least one of the one or more liquidports, and is coupled in fluid communication with an interior of theliquid solution container;

providing a pump unit, which comprises (a) a mixing pump, which isarranged to cause flow in the mixing tube; and (b) a liquid-supply pump,which is arranged to cause flow in the liquid-supply tube;

inserting, from a first side of a maxillary bone of a jaw, a shaftdelivery tube of a shaft unit into a bore that passes through themaxillary bone from the first side to a second side of the maxillarybone, such that a distal opening of the shaft delivery tube is disposedin the bore or in a cavity that is (a) adjacent to the second side ofthe maxillary bone and (b) between the second side of the maxillary boneand a Schneiderian membrane, wherein the distal opening is in fluidcommunication with the delivery tube, and the shaft delivery tube is influid communication with a distal end of the solid-liquid compositiondelivery tube; and

activating the pump unit to:

-   -   provide a solid-liquid composition of (a) the solid particles        and (b) the physiological liquid solution, and    -   injecting the solid-liquid composition through the distal        opening via the shaft delivery tube and the solid-liquid        composition delivery tube.

-   Inventive concept 173. The method according to inventive concept    172, wherein the solid particles are solid bone graft particles, and    wherein activating the pump unit to provide the solid-liquid    composition comprises activating the pump unit to provide the    solid-liquid composition of (a) the solid bone graft particles    and (b) the physiological liquid solution.

-   Inventive concept 174. The method according to inventive concept    172, further comprising raising the Schneiderian membrane to form    the cavity.

-   Inventive concept 175. The method according to inventive concept    174,

wherein inserting the shaft delivery tube comprises positioning thedistal opening at a solid-liquid-composition-delivery location,

wherein raising the Schneiderian membrane comprises:

-   -   positioning the distal opening at a liquid-delivery location        that is within the bore or within 1 mm above the bore; and    -   while the distal opening is positioned at the liquid-delivery        location, injecting the physiological liquid solution to raise        the Schneiderian membrane, and

wherein positioning the distal opening at thesolid-liquid-composition-delivery location comprises positioning thedistal opening at the solid-liquid-composition-delivery location afterfinishing injecting the physiological liquid solution to raise theSchneiderian membrane.

-   Inventive concept 176. The method according to inventive concept    175,

wherein positioning the distal opening at the liquid-delivery locationcomprises positioning the distal opening at the liquid-delivery locationwhile a removable depth limiting element is attached to the shaftdelivery tube, wherein the removable depth limiting element limitsadvancement of the shaft delivery tube through the bore, and

wherein positioning the distal opening at thesolid-liquid-composition-delivery location comprises removing the depthlimiting element from the shaft delivery tube, and subsequentlyadvancing the shaft delivery tube through the bore until the distalopening reaches the solid-liquid-composition-delivery location.

-   Inventive concept 177. The method according to inventive concept    172, wherein activating the pump unit comprises activating control    circuitry of the pump unit to repeatedly:

(a) assume a mixing activation state, in which the control circuitryactivates the mixing pump to mix the solid particles and thephysiological liquid solution in the solid-liquid compositioncompartment to form a solid-liquid composition, by pumping thephysiological liquid solution through the mixing tube and into thesolid-liquid composition compartment, and

(b) assume a particle-delivery activation state, wherein the controlcircuitry, during at least a portion of the particle-delivery activationstate, activates the liquid-supply pump to apply positive pressure topump the solid-liquid composition from the solid-liquid compositioncompartment into the solid-liquid composition delivery tube.

-   Inventive concept 178. The method according to inventive concept    177, wherein activating the control circuitry comprises activating    the control circuitry, during each of one or more negative-positive    particle delivery cycles of the particle-delivery activation state,    to assume:

a negative particle-delivery activation sub-state, in which the controlcircuitry activates the liquid-supply pump to apply negative pressure topump liquid from the solid-liquid composition delivery tube toward theliquid compartment via the solid-liquid composition compartment, and

a positive particle-delivery activation sub-state, in which the controlcircuitry activates the liquid-supply pump to apply the positivepressure to pump the solid-liquid composition from the solid-liquidcomposition compartment into the solid-liquid composition delivery tube,wherein a direction of pumping of the liquid-supply pump in the positiveparticle-delivery activation sub-state is opposite a direction ofpumping of the liquid-supply pump in the negative particle-deliveryactivation sub-state.

-   Inventive concept 179. The method according to inventive concept    172,

wherein the chamber comprises a receptacle component and a covercomponent,

wherein the cover component (a) comprises the filter, and (b) is shapedso as to define (i) a cap and (ii) a bone-graft container having anopening that (x) faces away from the cap and (y) is farther from the capthan the filter is from the cap, and

wherein providing the composition delivery source comprises, while thebone-graft container contains the solid particles, reversibly couplingthe receptacle component and the cover component with each another toform a watertight seal, with the bone-graft container disposed withinthe receptacle component.

-   Inventive concept 180. The method according to inventive concept    172, wherein the mixing pump and the liquid-supply pump are    respective peristaltic pumps.

There is also provided, in accordance with an inventive concept 181 ofthe present invention, a method for use with solid particles and aliquid container containing a physiological liquid solution, the methodcomprising:

providing a composition delivery source, which comprises (a) a chamber,which (i) comprises a filter, which is disposed within the chamber so asto divide the chamber into a liquid compartment and a solid-liquidcomposition compartment, and (ii) is shaped so as to define (A) one ormore liquid ports in fluid communication with the liquid compartment,and (B) one or more solid-liquid composition ports in fluidcommunication with the solid-liquid composition compartment; (b) asolid-liquid composition delivery tube, which is in fluid communicationwith at least one of the one or more solid-liquid composition ports; (c)a mixing tube, which is in fluid communication with at least one of theone or more liquid ports and at least one of the one or moresolid-liquid composition ports; and (d) a liquid-supply tube, which isin fluid communication with at least one of the one or more liquidports, and is coupled in fluid communication with an interior of theliquid solution container;

inserting, from a first side of a maxillary bone of a jaw, a shaftdelivery tube of a shaft unit into a bore that passes through themaxillary bone from the first side to a second side of the maxillarybone, such that a distal opening of the shaft delivery tube is disposedin the bore or in a cavity that is (a) adjacent to the second side ofthe maxillary bone and (b) between the second side of the maxillary boneand a Schneiderian membrane, wherein the distal opening is in fluidcommunication with the delivery tube, and the shaft delivery tube is influid communication with a distal end of the solid-liquid compositiondelivery tube;

providing a solid-liquid composition of (a) the solid particles and (b)the physiological liquid solution from composition delivery source; and

injecting the solid-liquid composition through the distal opening viathe shaft delivery tube and the solid-liquid composition delivery tube.

-   Inventive concept 182. The method according to inventive concept    181, wherein the solid particles are solid bone graft particles, and    wherein providing the solid-liquid composition comprises providing    the solid-liquid composition of (a) the solid bone graft particles    and (b) the physiological liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 183. The method according to inventive concept    181, wherein providing the composition delivery source comprises    orienting the chamber such that the liquid compartment is above the    solid-liquid composition compartment.-   Inventive concept 184. The method according to inventive concept    183, wherein when the chamber is oriented such that the liquid    compartment is above the solid-liquid composition compartment, the    one or more solid-liquid composition ports are disposed no more than    a distance from a bottom of the solid-liquid composition    compartment, the distance equal to 25% of a vertical height of the    solid-liquid composition compartment.-   Inventive concept 185. The method according to inventive concept    183, wherein when the chamber is oriented such that the liquid    compartment is above the solid-liquid composition compartment, the    one or more solid-liquid composition ports are located through a    side wall of the solid-liquid composition compartment.-   Inventive concept 186. The method according to inventive concept    181, wherein injecting the solid-liquid composition comprises    orienting the solid-liquid composition delivery tube within 45    degrees of horizontal.-   Inventive concept 187. The method according to inventive concept    186, wherein orienting comprises orienting the solid-liquid    composition delivery tube within 15 degrees of horizontal.-   Inventive concept 188. The method according to inventive concept    181,

wherein the chamber comprises a receptacle component and a covercomponent,

wherein the cover component (a) comprises the filter, and (b) is shapedso as to define (i) a cap and (ii) a bone-graft container having anopening that (x) faces away from the cap and (y) is farther from the capthan the filter is from the cap, and

wherein providing the composition delivery source comprises, while thebone-graft container contains the solid particles, reversibly couplingthe receptacle component and the cover component with each another toform a watertight seal, with the bone-graft container disposed withinthe receptacle component.

-   Inventive concept 189. The method according to inventive concept    181, wherein the shaft unit further comprises a removable depth    limiting element, which is configured to limit a depth of insertion    of the shaft delivery tube into the bore when the shaft delivery    tube is inserted into the bore.-   Inventive concept 190. The method according to inventive concept    189,

wherein the shaft unit comprises a shaft delivery tube,

wherein the shaft unit further comprises a sealing element disposedaround an external surface of the shaft delivery tube, and

wherein the depth limiting element is removable from the shaft unitwithout removal of the sealing element.

There is further provided, in accordance with an inventive concept 191of the present invention, a method for use with solid particles and aphysiological liquid solution, the method comprising:

providing a composition delivery source, which comprises:

-   -   (a) a chamber, which is shaped so as to define one or more        liquid ports and one or more solid-liquid composition ports;    -   (b) a solid-liquid composition delivery tube, which is in fluid        communication with at least one of the one or more solid-liquid        composition ports; and    -   (c) a mixing tube, which is in fluid communication with at least        one of the one or more liquid ports and at least one of the one        or more solid-liquid composition ports; and

activating a pump unit, which comprises a mixing pump, to cause, in themixing tube, flow that raises the solid particles in a puff into thephysiological liquid solution in the chamber, thereby forming asolid-liquid composition.

-   Inventive concept 192. The method according to inventive concept    191, wherein the solid particles are solid bone graft particles, and    wherein activating the pump unit comprises activating the pump unit    to cause, in the mixing tube, the flow that raises the solid bone    graft particles in the puff.-   Inventive concept 193. The method according to inventive concept    191,

wherein the chamber comprises a filter, which is disposed within thechamber so as to divide the chamber into a liquid compartment and asolid-liquid composition compartment,

wherein the one or more liquid ports are in fluid communication with theliquid compartment, and

wherein the one or more solid-liquid composition ports are in fluidcommunication with the solid-liquid composition compartment.

-   Inventive concept 194. The method according to inventive concept    193, wherein the filter is configured to inhibit passage of the    solid particles and allow passage of the physiological liquid    solution.-   Inventive concept 195. The method according to inventive concept    193, for use with a liquid container,

wherein the composition delivery source further comprises aliquid-supply tube, which is in fluid communication with at least one ofthe one or more liquid ports, and is coupled in fluid communication withan interior of the liquid solution container, and

wherein the pump unit further comprises a liquid-supply pump, which isarranged to cause flow in the liquid-supply tube.

-   Inventive concept 196. The method according to inventive concept    193, wherein providing the composition delivery source comprises    orienting the chamber such that the liquid compartment is above the    solid-liquid composition compartment.-   Inventive concept 197. The method according to inventive concept    196, wherein when the chamber is oriented such that the liquid    compartment is above the solid-liquid composition compartment, the    one or more solid-liquid composition ports are disposed no more than    a distance from a bottom of the solid-liquid composition    compartment, the distance equal to of a vertical height of the    solid-liquid composition compartment.-   Inventive concept 198. The method according to inventive concept    196, wherein when the chamber is oriented such that the liquid    compartment is above the solid-liquid composition compartment, the    one or more solid-liquid composition ports are located through a    side wall of the solid-liquid composition compartment.-   Inventive concept 199. The method according to inventive concept    191, further comprising activating the pump unit to pump the    solid-liquid composition through the solid-liquid composition    delivery tube.-   Inventive concept 200. The method according to inventive concept    199, wherein activating the pump unit to pump the solid-liquid    composition through the solid-liquid composition delivery tube    comprises orienting the solid-liquid composition delivery tube    within 45 degrees of horizontal.-   Inventive concept 201. The method according to inventive concept    200, wherein orienting comprises orienting the solid-liquid    composition delivery tube within 15 degrees of horizontal.

There is still further provided, in accordance with an inventive concept202 of the present invention, a method comprising:

inserting, from a first side of a maxillary bone of a jaw, a shaftdelivery tube of a shaft unit of a injection system into a bore thatpasses through the maxillary bone from the first side to a second sideof the maxillary bone, such that a distal opening of the shaft deliverytube is disposed in a cavity that is (a) adjacent to the second side ofthe maxillary bone and (b) between the second side of the maxillary boneand a Schneiderian membrane, wherein the distal opening is in fluidcommunication with the shaft delivery tube;

positioning the distal opening at a location at a distance from thesecond side of the maxillary bone, the distance equal to at least 50% ofa height of the cavity directly above the bore;

providing a solid-liquid composition of (a) solid particles and (b) aphysiological liquid solution from a solid-liquid composition sourcethat is coupled in fluid communication with the shaft delivery tube; and

while the distal opening is positioned at the location, injecting thesolid-liquid composition through the distal opening via the shaftdelivery tube.

-   Inventive concept 203. The method according to inventive concept    202, wherein the solid particles are solid bone graft particles, and    wherein providing the solid-liquid composition comprises providing    the solid-liquid composition of (a) the solid bone graft particles    and (b) the physiological liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 204. The method according to inventive concept    202, wherein the distance is equal to at least 75% of the height of    the cavity directly above the bore.-   Inventive concept 205. The method according to inventive concept    202, wherein the distal opening of the shaft delivery tube is    disposed within 10 mm of a distal end of the shaft delivery tube.-   Inventive concept 206. The method according to inventive concept    202, further comprising raising the Schneiderian membrane to form    the cavity.-   Inventive concept 207. The method according to inventive concept    206,

wherein positioning the distal opening at the location comprisespositioning the distal opening at a solid-liquid-composition-deliverylocation,

wherein raising the Schneiderian membrane comprises:

-   -   positioning the distal opening at a liquid-delivery location        that is within the bore or within 1 mm above the bore; and    -   while the distal opening is positioned at the liquid-delivery        location, injecting the physiological liquid solution to raise        the Schneiderian membrane, and

wherein positioning the distal opening at thesolid-liquid-composition-delivery location comprises positioning thedistal opening at the solid-liquid-composition-delivery location afterfinishing injecting the physiological liquid solution to raise theSchneiderian membrane.

-   Inventive concept 208. The method according to inventive concept    207,

wherein positioning the distal opening at the liquid-delivery locationcomprises positioning the distal opening at the liquid-delivery locationwhile a removable depth limiting element is attached to the shaftdelivery tube, wherein the removable depth limiting element limitsadvancement of the shaft delivery tube through the bore, and

wherein positioning the distal opening at thesolid-liquid-composition-delivery location comprises removing the depthlimiting element from the shaft delivery tube, and subsequentlyadvancing the shaft delivery tube through the bore until the distalopening reaches the solid-liquid-composition-delivery location.

-   Inventive concept 209. The method according to inventive concept    208,

wherein the shaft unit further comprises a sealing element disposedaround an external surface of the shaft delivery tube, and

wherein removing the depth limiting element from the shaft delivery tubecomprises removing the depth limiting element from the shaft deliverytube without removing the sealing element.

-   Inventive concept 210. The method according to inventive concept    202, wherein positioning the distal opening comprises positioning    the distal opening at between 2 and 12 mm from the Schneiderian    membrane at a roof of the cavity directly above the bore.-   Inventive concept 211. The method according to inventive concept    210, wherein positioning the distal opening comprises positioning    the distal opening at between 4 and 6 mm from the Schneiderian    membrane at the roof of the cavity directly above the bore.-   Inventive concept 212. The method according to inventive concept    202, wherein the distal opening is disposed at the distal end of the    shaft delivery tube, and wherein positioning the distal opening    comprises positioning the distal end of the shaft delivery tube at    the location.-   Inventive concept 213. The method according to inventive concept    202, wherein raising the Schneiderian membrane comprises injecting    physiological solution through the shaft delivery tube after    inserting the shaft delivery tube into the bore.-   Inventive concept 214. The method according to inventive concept    202, wherein injecting the solid-liquid composition comprises    pumping the solid-liquid composition through the distal opening via    the shaft delivery tube at a pulsating hydraulic pressure that    periodically varies between positive and negative.

There is additionally provided, in accordance with an inventive concept215 of the present invention, a surgical tool for use with solidparticles and a physiological liquid solution, the surgical toolcomprising:

a shaft unit, which is shaped so as to define a delivery lumen, and adistal opening, which is disposed within 10 mm of a distal end of theshaft unit, in fluid communication with the delivery lumen;

a composition source, which is coupled in fluid communication with thedelivery lumen, and which is configured to provide a solid-liquidcomposition of the solid particles and the physiological liquidsolution; and

a pump, which is configured to pump the solid-liquid composition throughthe distal opening via the delivery lumen.

-   Inventive concept 216. The apparatus according to inventive concept    215, wherein the surgical tool is configured as an oral surgical    tool.-   Inventive concept 217. The apparatus according to inventive concept    215, further comprising the physiological liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 218. The apparatus according to inventive concept    215, wherein the pump is configured to pump the solid-liquid    composition at a pulsating hydraulic pressure that periodically    varies between positive and negative.-   Inventive concept 219. The apparatus according to inventive concept    218, wherein the pump is configured to pump the solid-liquid    composition through the distal opening via the delivery lumen during    a plurality of positive-pressure periods that alternate with a    plurality of negative-pressure periods, and to set an average    duration of the positive-pressure periods to be less than or equal    to an average duration of the negative-pressure periods.-   Inventive concept 220. The apparatus according to inventive concept    219, wherein the pump is configured to set the average duration of    the positive-pressure periods to be equal to the average duration of    the negative-pressure periods.-   Inventive concept 221. The apparatus according to inventive concept    215, wherein the pump is configured to pump the solid-liquid    composition at a pulsating positive hydraulic pressure.-   Inventive concept 222. The apparatus according to inventive concept    215, wherein the distal opening is disposed within 5 mm of the    distal end of the shaft unit.-   Inventive concept 223. The apparatus according to inventive concept    222, wherein the distal opening is disposed at the distal end of the    shaft unit.-   Inventive concept 224. The apparatus according to inventive concept    215, wherein the shaft unit comprises a nozzle disposed at the    distal opening.-   Inventive concept 225. The apparatus according to inventive concept    215, wherein the surgical tool further comprises a sealing element    disposed around an external surface of the shaft unit, and    configured to form a liquid-tight seal with tissue around and    outside a bore through a bone when the shaft unit is inserted into    the bore.-   Inventive concept 226. The apparatus according to inventive concept    225, wherein the distal end of the shaft unit is disposed no more    distal than a distal-most surface of the sealing element.-   Inventive concept 227. The apparatus according to inventive concept    215, wherein the surgical tool further comprises a depth limiting    element, which is configured to limit a depth of insertion of the    shaft unit into a bore through a bone when the shaft unit is    inserted into the bore.-   Inventive concept 228. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 215-227, wherein the composition source comprises    a combining unit, which is configured to provide the solid-liquid    composition by combining the solid particles with the physiological    liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 229. The apparatus according to inventive concept    228, wherein the combining unit comprises a mixing unit, which is    configured to provide the solid-liquid composition by mixing the    solid particles with the physiological liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 230. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 215-227, wherein the surgical tool further    comprises a solid-particle container, which contains the solid    particles for combining with the physiological liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 231. The apparatus according to inventive concept    230, wherein the solid-particle container has a volume of between    0.2 and 20 ml.-   Inventive concept 232. The apparatus according to inventive concept    230, wherein the surgical tool further comprises the physiological    liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 233. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 215-227, wherein the solid particles are solid    bone graft particles, and wherein the surgical tool is for use with    the solid bone graft particles.

There is yet additionally provided, in accordance with an inventiveconcept 234 of the present invention, a method comprising:

inserting, from a first side of a bone, a shaft unit of a surgical toolinto a bore that passes through the bone from the first side to a secondside of the bone, such that a distal opening disposed within 10 mm of adistal end of the shaft unit is disposed in the bore or in a cavityadjacent to the second side of the bone, wherein the distal opening isin fluid communication with a delivery lumen defined by the shaft unit;

providing a solid-liquid composition of (a) solid particles and (b) aphysiological liquid solution from a solid-liquid composition sourcethat is coupled in fluid communication with the delivery lumen; and

pumping the solid-liquid composition through the distal opening via thedelivery lumen.

-   Inventive concept 235. The method according to inventive concept    234, wherein the solid particles are solid bone graft particles, and    wherein providing the solid-liquid composition comprises providing    the solid-liquid composition of (a) the solid bone graft particles    and (b) the physiological liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 236. The method according to inventive concept    234, wherein pumping comprises pumping at a pulsating hydraulic    pressure that periodically varies between positive and negative.-   Inventive concept 237. The method according to inventive concept    236, wherein pumping comprises pumping the solid-liquid composition    through the distal opening via the delivery lumen during a plurality    of positive-pressure periods that alternate with a plurality of    negative-pressure periods, and setting an average duration of the    positive-pressure periods to be less than an average duration of the    negative-pressure periods.-   Inventive concept 238. The method according to inventive concept    236, wherein pumping comprises pumping the solid-liquid composition    at a pulsating positive hydraulic pressure.-   Inventive concept 239. The method according to inventive concept    234, wherein the surgical tool is configured as an oral surgical    tool, wherein the bone is a bone of a jaw, and wherein inserting    comprises inserting the shaft unit of the oral surgical tool into    the bore that passes through the bone of the jaw.-   Inventive concept 240. The method according to inventive concept    234, wherein the cavity is between the second side of the bone and a    membrane.-   Inventive concept 241. The method according to inventive concept    240, further comprising, before pumping the solid-liquid    composition, raising the membrane to form the cavity between the    second side of the bone and the membrane.-   Inventive concept 242. The method according to inventive concept    241,

wherein the membrane is a Schneiderian membrane, and the bone is amaxillary bone,

wherein inserting the shaft unit comprises positioning the distalopening at a location at a distance front the second side of themaxillary bone, the distance equal to at least 50% of a height of thecavity directly above the bore, and

wherein pumping comprises pumping while the distal opening is positionedat the location.

-   Inventive concept 243. The method according to inventive concept    242, wherein the distance is equal to at least 75% of the height of    the cavity directly above the bore.-   Inventive concept 244. The method according to inventive concept    242, wherein positioning the distal opening comprises positioning    the distal opening at between 2 and 12 mm from the Schneiderian    membrane at a roof of the cavity directly above the bore.-   Inventive concept 245. The method according to inventive concept    244, wherein positioning the distal opening comprises positioning    the distal opening at between 4 and 6 mm from the Schneiderian    membrane at the roof of the cavity directly above the bore.-   Inventive concept 246. The method according to inventive concept    242, wherein the distal opening is disposed at the distal end of the    shaft unit, and wherein positioning the distal opening comprises    positioning the distal end of the shaft unit at the location.-   Inventive concept 247. The method according to inventive concept    242, wherein raising the Schneiderian membrane comprises injecting    physiological solution through the delivery lumen after inserting    the shaft unit into the bore.-   Inventive concept 248. The method according to inventive concept    241,

wherein the membrane is a Schneiderian membrane, and the bone is amaxillary bone, and

wherein inserting the shall unit comprises positioning the distalopening at a location at a distance of between 2 and 12 mm from theSchneiderian membrane at a roof of the cavity directly above the bore.

-   Inventive concept 249. The method according to inventive concept    248, wherein positioning the distal opening comprises positioning    the distal opening at between 4 and 6 mm from the Schneiderian    membrane at the roof of the cavity directly above the bore.-   Inventive concept 250. The method according to inventive concept    248, wherein the distal opening is disposed at the distal end of the    shaft unit, and wherein positioning the distal opening comprises    positioning the distal end of the shaft unit at the location.-   Inventive concept 251. The method according to inventive concept    248, wherein raising the Schneiderian membrane comprises injecting    physiological solution through the delivery lumen after inserting    the shaft unit into the bore.-   Inventive concept 252. The method according to inventive concept    240, wherein the membrane is a Schneiderian membrane.-   Inventive concept 253. The method according to inventive concept    234, wherein the bore is exactly one bore through the bone.-   Inventive concept 254. The method according to inventive concept    234, further comprising, after pumping the solid-liquid composition,    implanting an implant at least partially within the cavity.-   Inventive concept 255. The method according to inventive concept    234, wherein the distal opening is disposed within 5 mm of the    distal end of the shaft unit.-   Inventive concept 256. The method according to inventive concept    255, wherein the distal opening is disposed at the distal end of the    shaft unit.-   Inventive concept 257. The method according to inventive concept    234, wherein providing the solid-liquid composition and pumping the    solid-liquid composition comprises providing the solid-liquid    composition and injecting the solid-liquid composition such that    between 0.2 and 20 ml of solid particles accumulate in the cavity.-   Inventive concept 258. The method according to inventive concept    234, wherein the solid-liquid composition source comprises a    combining unit, and wherein providing the solid-liquid composition    comprises activating the combining unit to provide the solid-liquid    composition by combining the solid particles with the physiological    liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 259. The method according to inventive concept    258, wherein the combining unit comprises a mixing unit, and wherein    providing the solid-liquid composition comprises activating the    mixing unit to provide the solid-liquid composition by mixing the    solid particles with the physiological liquid solution.

There is also provided, in accordance with an inventive concept 260 ofthe present invention, apparatus comprising a surgical tool for use withsolid particles and a physiological liquid solution, the surgical toolcomprising:

exactly one shaft unit, which is shaped so as to define a delivery lumenand a drainage lumen;

a distal opening, which is disposed within 10 mm of a distal end of theshaft unit, in fluid communication with the delivery lumen;

a composition source, which is coupled in fluid communication with thedelivery lumen, and which is configured to provide a solid-liquidcomposition of the solid particles and the physiological liquidsolution; and

a filter, which is disposed in fluid communication with the drainagelumen, and which is configured to inhibit passage of the solid particlesof the solid-liquid composition and allow passage of the physiologicalliquid solution of the solid-liquid composition.

-   Inventive concept 261. The apparatus according to inventive concept    260, wherein the filler is disposed within 10 mm of the distal end    of the shaft unit.-   Inventive concept 262. The apparatus according to inventive concept    260, wherein the filter is disposed around an axis of the distal    opening.-   Inventive concept 263. The apparatus according to inventive concept    260, wherein the drainage lumen is disposed alongside the delivery    lumen in the shaft unit.-   Inventive concept 264. The apparatus according to inventive concept    260, wherein the filter is disposed around the delivery lumen in the    shaft unit.-   Inventive concept 265. The apparatus according to inventive concept    260, further comprising a pump, which is configured to clear the    solid particles that accumulate on the filter during drainage of the    physiological liquid solution through the filter, by periodically    applying a positive pressure to the drainage lumen.-   Inventive concept 266. The apparatus according to inventive concept    260, wherein the filter comprises a mesh having openings smaller    than the solid particles.-   Inventive concept 267. The apparatus according to inventive concept    260, wherein the filter is shaped so as to define a plurality of    slits having a width narrower than the solid particles.-   Inventive concept 268. The apparatus according to inventive concept    260, wherein the surgical tool is configured to move the distal    opening and the shaft unit with respect to each other.-   Inventive concept 269. The apparatus according to inventive concept    268, wherein the distal opening comprises a nozzle.-   Inventive concept 270. The apparatus according to inventive concept    268, wherein the surgical tool further comprises a filter clearing    element, which is fixed to the distal opening, and is configured to    clear the solid particles that accumulate on the filter during    drainage of the physiological liquid solution through the filter.-   Inventive concept 271. The apparatus according to inventive concept    270, wherein the distal opening comprises a nozzle, and wherein the    filter clearing element is fixed to the nozzle.-   Inventive concept 272. The apparatus according to inventive concept    268, wherein the surgical tool is configured to rotate the distal    opening and the shaft unit with respect to each other.-   Inventive concept 273. The apparatus according to inventive concept    272, wherein the surgical tool is configured to rotate the distal    opening while holding the shaft unit rotationally immobile.-   Inventive concept 274. The apparatus according to inventive concept    272, wherein the surgical tool is configured to rotate the shaft    unit while holding the distal opening rotationally immobile.-   Inventive concept 275. The apparatus according to inventive concept    272, wherein the surgical tool further comprises a filter clearing    element, which is fixed to the distal opening, and is configured to    clear the solid particles that accumulate on the filter during    drainage of the physiological liquid solution through the filter.-   Inventive concept 276. The apparatus according to inventive concept    268, wherein the surgical tool is configured to move the distal    opening and the shaft unit side-to-side with respect to each other.-   Inventive concept 277. The apparatus according to inventive concept    268, wherein the surgical tool is configured to move the distal    opening and the shaft unit axially back-and-forth with respect to    each other.-   Inventive concept 278. The apparatus according to inventive concept    268, wherein the surgical tool is configured to vibrate the distal    opening and the shaft unit side-to-side with respect to each other.-   Inventive concept 279. The apparatus according to inventive concept    268, wherein the surgical tool is configured such that flow of the    solid-liquid composition causes the distal opening and the shaft    unit to move with respect to each other.-   Inventive concept 280. The apparatus according to inventive concept    268, wherein the surgical tool is configured such that flow of the    filtered physiological liquid solution causes the distal opening and    the shah unit to move with respect to each other.-   Inventive concept 281. The apparatus according to inventive concept    260, wherein the surgical tool further comprises a filter clearing    element, which is configured to clear the solid particles that    accumulate on the filter during drainage of the physiological liquid    solution through the filter.-   Inventive concept 282. The apparatus according to inventive concept    281, wherein the surgical tool is configured to move the filter    clearing element with respect to the filter.-   Inventive concept 283. The apparatus according to inventive concept    282, wherein the surgical tool is configured to rotate the filter    clearing element.-   Inventive concept 284. The apparatus according to inventive concept    282, wherein the surgical tool is configured to axially move the    filler clearing element.-   Inventive concept 285. The apparatus according to inventive concept    281, wherein the filter clearing element is fixed to the distal    opening.-   Inventive concept 286. The apparatus according to inventive concept    285, wherein the distal opening comprises a nozzle, and wherein the    filter clearing element is fixed to the nozzle.

There is further provided, in accordance with an inventive concept 287of the present invention, apparatus comprising a surgical tool for usewith solid particles and a physiological liquid solution, the surgicaltool comprising:

exactly one shaft unit, which is shaped so as to define a delivery lumenand a drainage lumen;

a distal opening, which is disposed within 10 mm of a distal end of theshaft unit, in fluid communication with the delivery lumen;

a composition source, which is coupled in fluid communication with thedelivery lumen, and which is configured to provide a solid-liquidcomposition of the solid particles and the physiological liquidsolution; and

a plurality of elements disposed around and outside the delivery lumenfor facilitating (a) inhibiting passage of the solid particles of thesolid-liquid composition to the drainage lumen, and (b) allowing passageof the physiological liquid solution of the solid-liquid composition tothe drainage lumen.

There is still further provided, in accordance with an inventive concept288 of the present invention, apparatus comprising a surgical tool foruse with solid particles and a physiological liquid solution, thesurgical tool comprising:

exactly one shaft unit, which (a) is shaped so as to define a drainagelumen, and (b) comprises a delivery shaft, which is shaped so as todefine (i) a delivery lumen, and (ii) a plurality of rib elements thatextend radially outward from an external surface of the delivery shaft;

a distal opening, which is disposed within 10 mm of a distal end of theshaft unit, in fluid communication with the delivery lumen; and

a composition source, which is coupled in fluid communication with thedelivery lumen, and which is configured to provide a solid-liquidcomposition of the solid particles and the physiological liquidsolution.

-   Inventive concept 289. The apparatus according to inventive concept    288, wherein the rib elements extend an average distance of between    0.1 and 2 mm radially outward from the external surface of the    delivery shaft.-   Inventive concept 290. The apparatus according to inventive concept    288, wherein the rib elements extend longitudinally along the    external surface of the delivery shaft for an average distance of at    least 1 mm.-   Inventive concept 291. The apparatus according to inventive concept    288, wherein the surgical tool further comprises a depth limiting    element, which is configured to limit a depth of insertion of the    shaft unit into a bore through a bone when the shaft unit is    inserted into the bore.-   Inventive concept 292. The apparatus according to inventive concept    291, wherein the depth limiting element is removably attached to the    shaft unit.-   Inventive concept 293. The apparatus according to inventive concept    291, wherein the depth limiting element is shaped so as to define a    portion of the drainage lumen between at least a portion of an    internal surface of the depth limiting element and a portion of the    external surface of the delivery shaft.-   Inventive concept 294. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 260, 287, and 288, wherein the surgical tool is    configured as an oral surgical tool.-   Inventive concept 295. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 260, 287, and 288, wherein the solid particles    are solid bone graft particles, and wherein the surgical tool is for    use with the solid bone graft particles.-   Inventive concept 296. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 260, 287, and 288, wherein the distal opening is    disposed within 5 mm of the distal end of the shaft unit.-   Inventive concept 297. The apparatus according to inventive concept    296, wherein the distal opening is disposed at the distal end of the    shaft unit.-   Inventive concept 298. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 260, 287, and 288, wherein the distal opening    comprises a nozzle.-   Inventive concept 299. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 260, 287, and 288, wherein the surgical tool is    configured to vibrate the solid-liquid composition in the delivery    lumen.-   Inventive concept 300. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 260, 287, and 288, wherein the drainage lumen is    disposed around the delivery lumen in the shaft unit.-   Inventive concept 301. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 260, 287, and 288, wherein the surgical tool    further comprises a suction source, which is coupled in fluid    communication with the drainage lumen.-   Inventive concept 302. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 260, 287, and 288, for use with a suction source,    wherein the drainage lumen is coupleable in fluid communication with    the suction source.-   Inventive concept 303. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 260, 287, and 288, wherein the surgical tool    further comprises a sealing element disposed around an external    surface of the shaft unit, and configured to form a liquid-tight    seal with tissue around and outside a bore through a bone when the    shaft unit is inserted into the bore.-   Inventive concept 304. The apparatus according to inventive concept    303, wherein the distal end of the shaft unit is disposed no more    distal than a distal-most surface of the sealing element.-   Inventive concept 305. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 260, 287, and 288, wherein the surgical tool    further comprises a depth limiting element, which is configured to    limit a depth of insertion of the shaft unit into a bore through a    bone when the shaft unit is inserted into the bore.-   Inventive concept 306. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 260, 287, and 288, wherein the composition source    comprises a combining feeder unit, which is configured to provide    the solid-liquid composition by combining the solid particles with    the physiological liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 307. The apparatus according to inventive concept    306, wherein the combining feeder unit comprises a mixing feeder    unit, which is configured to provide the solid-liquid composition by    mixing the solid particles with the physiological liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 308. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 260, 287, and 288, wherein the surgical tool is    configured to automatically apply motion to the shaft unit selected    from the group consisting of: vibrational motion, rotational motion,    oscillatory motion, axial back-and-forth motion, and lateral    side-to-side motion.-   Inventive concept 309. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 260, 287, and 288, further comprising a pump,    which is configured to pump the solid-liquid composition through the    distal opening via the delivery lumen.-   Inventive concept 310. The apparatus according to inventive concept    309, wherein the pump is configured to pump the solid-liquid    composition at a pulsating positive hydraulic pressure.-   Inventive concept 311. The apparatus according to inventive concept    309, wherein the pump is configured to pump the solid-liquid    composition at a pulsating hydraulic pressure that periodically    varies between positive and negative.-   Inventive concept 312. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 260, 287, and 288, wherein the surgical tool    further comprises a solid-particle container, which contains the    solid particles for combining with the physiological liquid    solution.-   Inventive concept 313. The apparatus according to inventive concept    312, wherein the solid-particle container has a volume of between    0.2 and 20 ml.-   Inventive concept 314. The apparatus according to inventive concept    312, wherein the surgical tool further comprises the physiological    liquid solution.

There is additionally provided, in accordance with an inventive concept315 of the present invention, apparatus comprising a surgical tool foruse with solid particles and a physiological liquid solution, thesurgical tool comprising:

exactly one shaft unit, which is shaped so as to define a lumen;

a distal opening, which is disposed within 10 mm of a distal end of theshaft unit, in fluid communication with the lumen;

a composition source, which is coupled in selective fluid communicationwith the lumen, and which is configured to provide a solid-liquidcomposition of the solid particles and the physiological liquidsolution; and

a one-way filter, which is disposed in fluid communication with thelumen, and which is configured to:

-   -   allow passage, in a proximal-to-distal direction, of the solid        particles and the physiological liquid solution of the        solid-liquid composition,    -   inhibit passage, in a distal-to-proximal direction, of the solid        particles of the solid-liquid composition, and    -   allow passage, in the distal-to-proximal direction, of the        physiological liquid solution of the solid-liquid composition.

-   Inventive concept 316. The apparatus according to inventive concept    315, wherein the surgical tool is configured as an oral surgical    tool.

-   Inventive concept 317. The apparatus according to inventive concept    315, wherein the solid particles are solid bone graft particles, and    wherein the surgical tool is for use with the solid bone graft    particles.

-   Inventive concept 318. The apparatus according to inventive concept    315, wherein the distal opening is disposed within 5 mm of the    distal end of the shaft unit.

-   Inventive concept 319. The apparatus according to inventive concept    318, wherein the distal opening is disposed at the distal end of the    shaft unit.

-   Inventive concept 320. The apparatus according to inventive concept    315, wherein the shaft unit is shaped so as to define exactly one    lumen.

-   Inventive concept 321. The apparatus according to inventive concept    315, wherein the one-way filter is disposed within 10 mm of the    distal end of the shaft unit.

-   Inventive concept 322. The apparatus according to inventive concept    315, wherein the composition source comprises a combining feeder    unit, which is configured to produce the solid-liquid composition by    combining the solid particles with the physiological liquid    solution.

-   Inventive concept 323. The apparatus according to inventive concept    315, wherein the distal opening comprises a nozzle.

-   Inventive concept 324. The apparatus according to inventive concept    315, wherein the surgical tool is configured to automatically apply    motion to the shaft unit selected from the group consisting of:    vibrational motion, rotational motion, oscillatory motion, axial    back-and-forth motion, and lateral side-to-side motion.

-   Inventive concept 325. The apparatus according to inventive concept    315, wherein the surgical tool is configured to vibrate the    solid-liquid composition in the lumen.

-   Inventive concept 326. The apparatus according to inventive concept    315, wherein the surgical tool further comprises a sealing clement    disposed around an external surface of the shaft unit, and    configured to form a liquid-tight seal with tissue around and    outside a bore through a bone when the shaft unit is inserted into    the bore.

-   Inventive concept 327. The apparatus according to inventive concept    326, wherein the distal end of the shaft unit is disposed no more    distal than a distal-most surface of the sealing element.

-   Inventive concept 328. The apparatus according to inventive concept    315, wherein the surgical tool further comprises a depth limiting    element, which is configured to limit a depth of insertion of the    shaft unit into a bore through a bone when the shaft unit is    inserted into the bore.

-   Inventive concept 329. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 315-328, further comprising a one-way filter    valve that comprises the one-way filter, the one-way filter valve in    fluid communication with the lumen.

-   Inventive concept 330. The apparatus according to inventive concept    329, wherein the one-way filter valve comprises a leaf valve, which    comprises one or more leafs that comprise mesh having openings    smaller than the solid particles.

-   Inventive concept 331. The apparatus according to inventive concept    329, wherein the one-way filter valve comprises a leaf valve, which    comprises one or more leafs that are shaped so as to define a    plurality of slits having a width narrower than the solid particles.

-   Inventive concept 332. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 315-328, for use with a suction source, wherein    the surgical tool is shaped so as to define a suction port, and    wherein the one-way filter is in selective fluid communication with    the suction source via the suction port.

-   Inventive concept 333. The apparatus according to inventive concept    332, wherein the suction port is disposed at a site along a fluid    path between the one-way filter and the composition source, and    wherein the surgical tool further comprises a source one-way valve,    which is disposed along the fluid path proximal to the site at which    the suction port is disposed.

-   Inventive concept 334. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 315-328, wherein the surgical tool is shaped so    as to define a suction port, and wherein the apparatus further    comprises a suction source, which is in selective fluid    communication with the one-way filter via the suction port.

-   Inventive concept 335. The apparatus according to inventive concept    334, wherein the suction port is disposed at a site along a fluid    path between the one-way filter and the composition source, and    wherein the surgical tool further comprises a source one-way valve,    which is disposed along the fluid path proximal to the site at which    the suction port is disposed.

-   Inventive concept 336. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 315-328, wherein the surgical tool further    comprises a filter clearing element, which is configured to clear    the solid particles that accumulate on the one-way filter during    drainage of the physiological liquid solution through the one-way    filter.

-   Inventive concept 337. The apparatus according to inventive concept    336, wherein the surgical tool is configured to move the filter    clearing element with respect to the one-way filter.

-   Inventive concept 338. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 315-328, further comprising a pump, which is    configured to pump the solid-liquid composition through the distal    opening via the lumen.

-   Inventive concept 339. The apparatus according to inventive concept    338, wherein the pump is configured to pump the solid-liquid    composition with an on-off duty cycle.

-   Inventive concept 340. The apparatus according to inventive concept    339, for use with a suction source, wherein the surgical tool is    shaped so as to define a suction port, wherein the one-way filter is    in selective fluid communication with the suction source via the    suction port, and wherein suction port is configured to assume an    open state when the pump is off, and a closed state when the pump is    on.

-   Inventive concept 341. The apparatus according to inventive concept    339, wherein the surgical tool is shaped so as to define a suction    port, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a suction source,    which is in selective fluid communication with the one-way filter    via the suction port, and which is configured to apply suction when    the pump is off, and not apply the suction when the pump is on.

-   Inventive concept 342. The apparatus according to inventive concept    338, wherein the pump is configured to pump the solid-liquid    composition at a pulsating positive hydraulic pressure.

-   Inventive concept 343. The apparatus according to inventive concept    338, wherein the pump is configured to pump the solid-liquid    composition at a pulsating hydraulic pressure that periodically    varies between positive and negative.

-   Inventive concept 344. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 315-328, wherein the surgical tool further    comprises a solid-particle container, which contains the solid    particles for mixing with the physiological liquid solution.

-   Inventive concept 345. The apparatus according to inventive concept    344, wherein the solid-particle container has a volume of between    0.2 and 20 ml.

-   Inventive concept 346. The apparatus according to inventive concept    344, wherein the surgical tool further comprises the physiological    liquid solution.

There is yet additionally provided, in accordance with an inventiveconcept 347 of the present invention, apparatus comprising an osteotome,which is shaped so as to define:

a lumen through the osteotome, a distal end of the lumen opening througha distal opening disposed within 10 mm of a distal end of the osteotome,and a proximal end of the lumen opening through a proximal openingdisposed at least 5 mm proximal to the distal opening,

a lateral external surface, at least a portion of which is shaped so asto define, a screw thread that (a) has a distal thread end that isdisposed within 10 mm of the distal end of the osteotome, and (b)comprises one or more raised helical ribs going around the osteotome,and

one or more longitudinal drainage slots, which extend along at leastrespective longitudinal portions of the osteotome having respectivelongitudinal lengths of at least 5 mm, measured parallel to a centrallongitudinal axis of the osteotome.

-   Inventive concept 348. The apparatus according to inventive concept    347, wherein the osteotome is configured as a dental osteotome.-   Inventive concept 349. The apparatus according to inventive concept    347, wherein the longitudinal lengths of the respective longitudinal    portions are at least 8 mm.-   Inventive concept 350. The apparatus according to inventive concept    349, wherein the longitudinal lengths of the respective longitudinal    portions are at least 10 mm.-   Inventive concept 351. The apparatus according to inventive concept    350, wherein the longitudinal lengths of the respective longitudinal    portions are at least 12 mm.-   Inventive concept 352. The apparatus according to inventive concept    347, wherein the proximal opening is disposed within 10 mm of a    proximal end of the osteotome.-   Inventive concept 353. The apparatus according to inventive concept    347, wherein at least one of the one or more longitudinal drainage    slots reaches a proximal end of the osteotome.-   Inventive concept 354. The apparatus according to inventive concept    347, wherein respective distal ends of the one or more longitudinal    drainage slots are disposed at least one pitch of the screw thread    from the distal thread end.-   Inventive concept 355. The apparatus according to inventive concept    354, wherein respective distal ends of the one or more longitudinal    drainage slots are disposed at least two pitches of the screw thread    from the distal thread end.-   Inventive concept 356. The apparatus according to inventive concept    347, wherein the screw thread is multi-start.-   Inventive concept 357. The apparatus according to inventive concept    347, wherein the osteotome further comprises a sealing element    disposed around an external surface of the osteotome, and configured    to form a liquid-tight seal with tissue around and outside a bore    through a bone when the osteotome is inserted into the bore.-   Inventive concept 358. The apparatus according to inventive concept    347, wherein respective distal ends of the one or more longitudinal    drainage slots are disposed at least 1.5 mm from the distal end of    the osteotome.-   Inventive concept 359. The apparatus according to inventive concept    358, wherein respective distal ends of the one or more longitudinal    drainage slots are disposed at least 4 mm from the distal end of the    osteotome.-   Inventive concept 360. The apparatus according to inventive concept    358, wherein the osteotome further comprises a sealing element    disposed around an external surface of the osteotome, and configured    to form a liquid-tight seal with tissue around and outside a bore    through a bone when the osteotome is inserted into the bore.-   Inventive concept 361. The apparatus according to inventive concept    347, wherein respective average widths of the one or more    longitudinal drainage slots are no more than 2 mm.-   Inventive concept 362. The apparatus according to inventive concept    347, wherein respective average depths of the one or more    longitudinal drainage slots, measured with respect to an outermost    portion of the screw thread, are at least 10% greater than an    average depth of the screw thread.-   Inventive concept 363. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 347-362, wherein the one or more longitudinal    drainage slots cross the one or more ribs respective pluralities of    times.-   Inventive concept 364. The apparatus according to inventive concept    363, wherein the one or more longitudinal drainage slots comprise    two or more longitudinal drainage slots.-   Inventive concept 365. The apparatus according to inventive concept    363, wherein the one or more longitudinal drainage slots are    parallel to the longitudinal axis.-   Inventive concept 366. The apparatus according to inventive concept    363, wherein the one or more longitudinal drainage slots helically    go around the osteotome in a direction opposite to a direction of    the screw thread.-   Inventive concept 367. The apparatus according to inventive concept    363, wherein the one or more longitudinal drainage slots helically    go around the osteotome with a slot pitch greater than a thread    pitch of the screw thread.-   Inventive concept 368. The apparatus according to inventive concept    367, wherein the slot pitch equals at least 1.5 times the thread    pitch.-   Inventive concept 369. The apparatus according to inventive concept    367, wherein the screw thread has one or more starts, and wherein    the slot pitch equals at least the quotient of (a) 2 mm divided    by (b) the number of starts of the screw thread.-   Inventive concept 370. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 347-362, wherein the screw thread has one or more    starts and a corresponding number of roots, and wherein the    osteotome is shaped so as to define a number of longitudinal    drainage slots that corresponds to a number of the starts of the    screw thread, and which are disposed within the one or more roots of    the screw thread, respectively.-   Inventive concept 371. The apparatus according to inventive concept    370, wherein a distal end of the one or more longitudinal drainage    slots is disposed at least one pitch of the screw thread from the    distal thread end.-   Inventive concept 372. The apparatus according to inventive concept    371, wherein the distal end of the longitudinal drainage slot is    disposed at least two pitches of the screw thread from the distal    thread end.-   Inventive concept 373. The apparatus according to inventive concept    371, wherein the osteotome further comprises a sealing element    disposed around an external surface of the osteotome, and configured    to form a liquid-tight seal with tissue around and outside a bore    through a bone when the osteotome is inserted into the bore.-   Inventive concept 374. The apparatus according to any one of    inventive concepts 347-362, for use with solid particles and a    physiological liquid solution, the apparatus further comprising a    composition source, which is coupled in fluid communication with the    lumen, and which is configured to provide a solid-liquid composition    of the solid particles and the physiological liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 375. The apparatus according to inventive concept    374, wherein the solid particles are solid bone graft particles, and    wherein the osteotome is for use with the solid bone graft    particles.-   Inventive concept 376. The apparatus according to inventive concept    374, wherein the composition source comprises a combining feeder    unit, which is configured to provide the solid-liquid composition by    combining the solid particles with the physiological liquid    solution.-   Inventive concept 377. The apparatus according to inventive concept    376, wherein the combining feeder unit comprises a mixing feeder    unit, which is configured to provide the solid-liquid composition by    mixing the solid particles with the physiological liquid solution.

There is also provided, in accordance with an inventive concept 378 ofthe present invention, a method comprising:

inserting, from a first side of a bone, exactly one shaft unit of asurgical tool into a bore that passes through the bone from the firstside to a second side of the bone, such that a distal opening disposedwithin 10 mm of a distal end of the shaft unit is disposed in the boreor in a cavity adjacent to the second side of the bone, wherein thedistal opening is in fluid communication with a delivery lumen definedby the shaft unit;

providing a solid-liquid composition of solid particles and aphysiological liquid solution from a composition source that is coupledin fluid communication with the delivery lumen; and

injecting the solid-liquid composition through the delivery lumen andthe distal opening into the cavity, such that (a) a portion of thephysiological liquid solution drains into a drainage lumen defined bythe shaft unit, and (b) passage of solid particles of the solid-liquidcomposition into the drainage lumen is inhibited, such that the solidparticles accumulate in the cavity.

-   Inventive concept 379. The method according to inventive concept    378, wherein injecting comprises injecting the solid-liquid    composition through the delivery lumen and the distal opening into    the cavity, such that (a) the portion of the physiological liquid    solution drains through a filter of the surgical tool and into the    drainage lumen, and (b) the filter inhibits the passage of the solid    particles into the drainage lumen.-   Inventive concept 380. The method according to inventive concept    379, wherein injecting the solid-liquid composition comprises    injecting the solid-liquid composition such that at least 50% of the    physiological liquid solution drains through the filter in a    distal-to-proximal direction.-   Inventive concept 381. The method according to inventive concept    379, wherein injecting comprises injecting the solid-liquid    composition through the delivery lumen and the distal opening into    the cavity, such that at least 50% of the physiological liquid    solution drains through the filter while the solid-liquid    composition is being injected.-   Inventive concept 382. The method according to inventive concept    379, wherein the filter is disposed within 10 mm of the distal end    of the shaft unit.-   Inventive concept 383. The method according to inventive concept    378,

wherein the exactly one shaft unit includes a delivery shaft, which isshaped so as to define (i) the delivery lumen, and (ii) a plurality ofrib elements that extend radially outward from an external surface ofthe delivery shaft,

wherein inserting the exactly one shaft unit into the bore comprisesinserting the exactly one shaft unit into the bore such that the ribelements space the external surface of the delivery shaft away from aninner wail of the bore, thereby defining a fluid flow path between theexternal surface of the delivery shaft and the inner wall of the bore,and

wherein injecting comprises injecting the solid-liquid compositionthrough the delivery lumen and the distal opening into the cavity, suchthat (a) the portion of the physiological liquid solution drains throughthe fluid flow path and into the drainage lumen, and (b) passage ofsolid particles of the solid-liquid composition into the fluid flow pathis inhibited, such that the solid particles accumulate in the cavity.

-   Inventive concept 384. The method according to inventive concept    383, wherein the rib elements extend an average distance of between    0.1 and 2 mm radially outward from the external surface of the    delivery shaft.-   Inventive concept 385. The method according to inventive concept    383, wherein the rib elements extend longitudinally along the    external surface of the delivery shaft for an average distance of at    least 1 mm.-   Inventive concept 386. The method according to inventive concept    383, wherein the surgical tool further includes a depth limiting    element, which is configured to limit a depth of insertion of the    shaft unit into a bore through a bone when the shaft unit is    inserted into the bore.-   Inventive concept 387. The method according to inventive concept    386, wherein the depth limiting element is removably attached to the    shaft unit.-   Inventive concept 388. The method according to inventive concept    386, wherein the depth limiting element is shaped so as to define a    portion of the drainage lumen between at least a portion of an    internal surface of the depth limiting element and a portion of the    external surface of the delivery shaft.-   Inventive concept 389. The method according to inventive concept    378, wherein the solid particles are solid bone graft particles, and    wherein providing the solid-liquid composition comprises providing    the solid-liquid composition of the solid bone graft particles and    the physiological liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 390. The method according to inventive concept    378, wherein the surgical tool is configured as an oral surgical    tool, wherein the bone is a bone of a jaw, and wherein inserting    comprises inserting the exactly one shaft unit of the oral surgical    tool into the bore that passes through the bone of the jaw.-   Inventive concept 391. The method according to inventive concept    378, wherein the cavity is between the second side of the bone and a    membrane.-   Inventive concept 392. The method according to inventive concept    391, further comprising, before injecting the solid-liquid    composition, raising the membrane to form the cavity between the    second side of the bone and the membrane.-   Inventive concept 393. The method according to inventive concept    391, wherein the membrane is a Schneiderian membrane.-   Inventive concept 394. The method according to inventive concept    378, wherein the bore is exactly one bore through the bone.-   Inventive concept 395. The method according to inventive concept    378, further comprising, after injecting the solid-liquid    composition, implanting an implant at least partially within the    cavity.-   Inventive concept 396. The method according to inventive concept    378, wherein the distal opening is disposed within 5 mm of the    distal end of the shaft unit.-   Inventive concept 397. The method according to inventive concept    396, wherein the distal opening is disposed at the distal end of the    shaft unit.-   Inventive concept 398. The method according to inventive concept    378, wherein injecting the solid-liquid composition comprises    injecting 2-300 ml of the solid-liquid composition.-   Inventive concept 399. The method according to inventive concept    378, wherein providing the solid-liquid composition and injecting    the solid-liquid composition comprises providing the solid-liquid    composition and injecting the solid-liquid composition such that    between 0.2 and 20 ml of solid particles accumulate in the cavity.-   Inventive concept 400. The method according to inventive concept    378, wherein the composition source comprises a combining feeder    unit, and wherein providing the solid-liquid composition comprises    activating the combining feeder unit to provide the solid-liquid    composition by combining the solid particles with the physiological    liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 401. The method according to inventive concept    400, wherein the combining feeder unit comprises a mixing feeder    unit, and wherein providing the solid-liquid composition comprises    activating the mixing feeder unit to provide the solid-liquid    composition by mixing the solid particles with the physiological    liquid solution.

There is further provided, in accordance with an inventive concept 402of the present invention, a method comprising:

placing a sealing element of a surgical tool against tissue around andoutside a bore that passes through a bone from a first side to a secondside of the bone, such that:

-   -   the sealing element forms a liquid-tight seal with the tissue on        the first side of the bone, and    -   a distal opening of the surgical tool is disposed in fluid        communication with the bore, wherein the distal opening is in        fluid communication with a delivery lumen defined by the        surgical tool;

providing a solid-liquid composition of solid particles and aphysiological liquid solution from a composition source that is coupledin fluid communication with the delivery lumen; and

injecting the solid-liquid composition through the delivery lumen, thedistal opening, and the bore, into a cavity adjacent to the second sideof the bone, such that (a) a portion of the physiological liquidsolution drains through a filter of the surgical tool, and (b) thefilter inhibits passage of solid particles of the solid-liquidcomposition such that the solid particles accumulate in the cavity,wherein the filter is disposed in fluid communication with a drainagelumen defined by the surgical tool.

-   Inventive concept 403. The method according to inventive concept    402, wherein the solid particles are solid bone graft particles, and    wherein providing the solid-liquid composition comprises providing    the solid-liquid composition of the solid bone graft particles and    the physiological liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 404. The method according to inventive concept    402,

wherein the scaling clement disposed around an external surface ofexactly one shaft unit of the surgical tool,

wherein the distal opening disposed within 10 mm of a distal end of theshaft unit,

wherein the delivery lumen is defined at least in part by the shaftunit, and

wherein the drainage lumen is defined at least in part by the shaftunit.

-   Inventive concept 405. The method according to inventive concept    404, wherein the distal opening is disposed within 5 mm of the    distal end of the shaft unit.-   Inventive concept 406. The method according to inventive concept    405, wherein the distal opening is disposed at the distal end of the    shaft unit.-   Inventive concept 407. The method according to inventive concept    404, wherein the filter is disposed within 10 mm of the distal end    of the shaft unit.-   Inventive concept 408. The method according to inventive concept    402, wherein the surgical tool is configured as an oral surgical    tool, wherein the bone is a bone of a jaw, and wherein placing    comprises placing the sealing element against the tissue around and    outside the bore the passes through the bone of the jaw.-   Inventive concept 409. The method according to inventive concept    402, wherein the cavity is between the second side of the bone and a    membrane.-   Inventive concept 410. The method according to inventive concept    409, further comprising, before injecting the solid-liquid    composition, raising the membrane to form the cavity between the    second side of the bone and the membrane.-   Inventive concept 411. The method according to inventive concept    409, wherein the membrane is a Schneiderian membrane.-   Inventive concept 412. The method according to inventive concept    402, wherein the bore is exactly one bore through the bone.-   Inventive concept 413. The method according to inventive concept    402, further comprising, after injecting the solid-liquid    composition, implanting an implant at least partially within the    cavity.-   Inventive concept 414. The method according to inventive concept    402, wherein injecting the solid-liquid composition comprises    injecting the solid-liquid composition such that at least 50% of the    physiological liquid solution drains through the filter in a    distal-to-proximal direction.-   Inventive concept 415. The method according to inventive concept    402, wherein injecting the solid-liquid composition comprises    injecting 2-300 ml of the solid-liquid composition.-   Inventive concept 416. The method according to inventive concept    402, wherein providing the solid-liquid composition and injecting    the solid-liquid composition comprises providing the solid-liquid    composition and injecting the solid-liquid composition such that    between 0.2 and 20 ml of solid particles accumulate in the cavity.-   Inventive concept 417. The method according to inventive concept    402, wherein injecting comprises injecting the solid-liquid    composition through the delivery lumen and the distal opening into    the cavity, such that at least 50% of the physiological liquid    solution drains through the filter while the solid-liquid    composition is being injected.-   Inventive concept 418. The method according to inventive concept    402, wherein the composition source comprises a combining feeder    unit, and wherein providing the solid-liquid composition comprises    activating the combining feeder unit to provide the solid-liquid    composition by combining the solid particles with the physiological    liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 419. The method according to inventive concept    418, wherein the combining feeder unit comprises a mixing feeder    unit, and wherein providing the solid-liquid composition comprises    activating the mixing feeder unit to provide the solid-liquid    composition by mixing the solid particles with the physiological    liquid solution.

There is still further provided, in accordance with an inventive concept420 of the present invention, a method comprising:

inserting, from a first side of a bone, exactly one shaft unit of asurgical tool into a bore that passes through the bone from the firstside to a second side of the bone, such that a distal opening disposedwithin 10 mm of a distal end of the shaft unit is disposed in the boreor in a cavity adjacent to the second side of the bone, wherein thedistal opening is in fluid communication with a lumen defined by theshaft unit;

providing a solid-liquid composition of solid particles and aphysiological liquid solution from a composition source that is coupledin fluid communication with the lumen; and

injecting the solid-liquid composition through the lumen, a one-wayfilter of the surgical tool, and the distal opening into the cavity, theone-way filter disposed in fluid communication with the lumen, andconfigured to:

-   -   allow passage, in a proximal-to-distal direction, of the solid        particles and the physiological liquid solution of the        solid-liquid composition,    -   inhibit passage, in a distal-to-proximal direction, of the solid        particles of the solid-liquid composition, such that the solid        particles accumulate in the cavity, and    -   allow passage, in the distal-to-proximal direction, of the        physiological liquid solution of the solid-liquid composition.

-   Inventive concept 421. The method according to inventive concept    420, wherein the solid particles are solid bone graft particles, and    wherein providing the solid-liquid composition comprises providing    the solid-liquid composition of the solid bone graft particles and    the physiological liquid solution.

-   Inventive concept 422. The method according to inventive concept    420, wherein the surgical tool is configured as an oral surgical    tool, wherein the bone is a bone of a jaw, and wherein inserting    comprises inserting the exactly one shaft unit of the oral surgical    tool into the bore that passes through the bone of the jaw.

-   Inventive concept 423. The method according to inventive concept    420, wherein the cavity is between the second side of the bone and a    membrane.

-   Inventive concept 424. The method according to inventive concept    423, further comprising, before injecting the solid-liquid    composition, raising the membrane to form the cavity between the    second side of the bone and the membrane.

-   Inventive concept 425. The method according to inventive concept    423, wherein the membrane is a Schneiderian membrane.

-   Inventive concept 426. The method according to inventive concept    420, wherein the bore is exactly one bore through the bone.

-   Inventive concept 427. The method according to inventive concept    420, further comprising, after injecting the solid-liquid    composition, implanting an implant at least partially within the    cavity.

-   Inventive concept 428. The method according to inventive concept    420, wherein the distal opening is disposed within 5 mm of the    distal end of the shaft unit.

-   Inventive concept 429. The method according to inventive concept    428, wherein the distal opening is disposed at the distal end of the    shaft unit.

-   Inventive concept 430. The method according to inventive concept    420, further comprising draining the physiological liquid solution    of the solid-liquid composition through the one-way filter.

-   Inventive concept 431. The method according to inventive concept    430, wherein injecting and draining comprise alternatingly injecting    and draining.

-   Inventive concept 432. The method according to inventive concept    430,

wherein injecting the solid-liquid composition comprises pumping thesolid-liquid composition at a positive hydraulic pressure, and

wherein draining the physiological liquid solution comprises suctioningthe physiological liquid solution at a negative hydraulic pressure.

-   Inventive concept 433. The method according to inventive concept    432, wherein pumping and suctioning comprise alternatingly pumping    and suctioning.-   Inventive concept 434. The method according to inventive concept    420, wherein injecting the solid-liquid composition comprises    injecting the solid-liquid composition such that at least 50% of the    physiological liquid solution drains through the one-way filter in    the distal-to-proximal direction.-   Inventive concept 435. The method according to inventive concept    420, wherein injecting the solid-liquid composition comprises    injecting 2-300 ml of the solid-liquid composition.-   Inventive concept 436. The method according to inventive concept    420, wherein providing the solid-liquid composition and injecting    the solid-liquid composition comprises providing the solid-liquid    composition and injecting the solid-liquid composition such that    between 0.2 and 20 ml of solid particles accumulate in the cavity.-   Inventive concept 437. The method according to inventive concept    420, wherein the composition source comprises a combining feeder    unit, and wherein providing the solid-liquid composition comprises    activating the combining feeder unit to provide the solid-liquid    composition by combining the solid particles with the physiological    liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 438. The method according to inventive concept    437, wherein the combining feeder unit comprises a mixing feeder    unit, and wherein providing the solid-liquid composition comprises    activating the mixing feeder unit to provide the solid-liquid    composition by mixing the solid particles with the physiological    liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 439. The method according to inventive concept    420, wherein the one-way filter is disposed within 10 mm of the    distal end of the shaft unit.

There is additionally provided, in accordance with an inventive concept440 of the present invention, a method comprising:

placing a sealing element of a surgical tool against tissue around andoutside a bore that passes through a bone from a first side to a secondside of the bone, such that:

-   -   the sealing element forms a liquid-tight seal with the tissue on        the first side of the bone, and    -   a distal opening of the surgical tool is disposed in fluid        communication with the bore, wherein the distal opening is in        fluid communication with a lumen defined by the surgical tool;

providing a solid-liquid composition of solid particles and aphysiological liquid solution from a composition source that is coupledin fluid communication with the lumen; and

injecting the solid-liquid composition through the lumen, a one-wayfilter of the surgical tool, the distal opening, and the bore, into acavity adjacent to the second side of the bone, wherein the one-wayfilter is disposed in fluid communication with the lumen, and configuredto:

-   -   allow passage, in a proximal-to-distal direction, of the solid        particles and the physiological liquid solution of the        solid-liquid composition,    -   inhibit passage, in a distal-to-proximal direction, of the solid        particles of the solid-liquid composition, such that the solid        particles accumulate in the cavity, and    -   allow passage, in the distal-to-proximal direction, of the        physiological liquid solution of the solid-liquid composition.

-   Inventive concept 441. The method according to inventive concept    440, wherein the solid particles are solid bone graft particles, and    wherein providing the solid-liquid composition comprises providing    the solid-liquid composition of the solid bone graft particles and    the physiological liquid solution.

-   Inventive concept 442. The method according to inventive concept    440,

wherein the sealing element disposed around an external surface ofexactly one shaft unit of the surgical tool,

wherein the distal opening disposed within 10 mm of a distal end of theshaft unit, and

wherein the lumen is defined at least in part by the shaft unit.

-   Inventive concept 443. The method according to inventive concept    442, wherein the distal opening is disposed within 5 mm of the    distal end of the shaft unit.-   Inventive concept 444. The method according to inventive concept    443, wherein the distal opening is disposed at the distal end of the    shaft unit.-   Inventive concept 445. The method according to inventive concept    442, wherein the one-way filter is disposed within 10 mm of the    distal end of the shaft unit.-   Inventive concept 446. The method according to inventive concept    440, wherein the surgical tool is configured as an oral surgical    tool, wherein the bone is a bone of a jaw, and wherein placing    comprises placing the sealing element against the tissue around and    outside the bore that passes through the bone of the jaw.-   Inventive concept 447. The method according to inventive concept    440, wherein the cavity is between the second side of the bone and a    membrane.-   Inventive concept 448. The method according to inventive concept    447, further comprising, before injecting the solid-liquid    composition, raising the membrane to form the cavity between the    second side of the bone and the membrane.-   Inventive concept 449. The method according to inventive concept    447, wherein the membrane is a Schneiderian membrane.-   Inventive concept 450. The method according to inventive concept    440, wherein the bore is exactly one bore through the bone.-   Inventive concept 451. The method according to inventive concept    440, further comprising, after injecting the solid-liquid    composition, implanting an implant at least partially within the    cavity.-   Inventive concept 452. The method according to inventive concept    440, further comprising draining the physiological liquid solution    of the solid-liquid composition through the one-way filter.-   Inventive concept 453. The method according to inventive concept    452, wherein injecting and draining comprise alternatingly injecting    and draining.-   Inventive concept 454. The method according to inventive concept    452,

wherein injecting the solid-liquid composition comprises pumping thesolid-liquid composition at a positive hydraulic pressure, and

wherein draining the physiological liquid solution comprises suctioningthe physiological liquid solution at a negative hydraulic pressure.

-   Inventive concept 455. The method according to inventive concept    454, wherein pumping and suctioning comprise alternatingly pumping    and suctioning.-   Inventive concept 456. The method according to inventive concept    440, wherein injecting the solid-liquid composition comprises    injecting the solid-liquid composition such that at least 50% of the    physiological liquid solution drains through the one-way filter in    the distal-to-proximal direction.-   Inventive concept 457. The method according to inventive concept    440, wherein injecting the solid-liquid composition comprises    injecting 2-300 ml of the solid-liquid composition.-   Inventive concept 458. The method according to inventive concept    440, wherein providing the solid-liquid composition and injecting    the solid-liquid composition comprises providing the solid-liquid    composition and injecting the solid-liquid composition such that    between 0.2 and 20 ml of solid particles accumulate in the cavity.-   Inventive concept 459. The method according to inventive concept    440, wherein the composition source comprises a combining feeder    unit, and wherein providing the solid-liquid composition comprises    activating the combining feeder unit to provide the solid-liquid    composition by combining the solid particles with the physiological    liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 460. The method according to inventive concept    459, wherein the combining feeder unit comprises a mixing feeder    unit, and wherein providing the solid-liquid composition comprises    activating the mixing feeder unit to provide the solid-liquid    composition by mixing the solid particles with the physiological    liquid solution.

There is yet additionally provided, in accordance with an inventiveconcept 461 of the present invention, a method comprising:

injecting, from a first side of a bone, through (a) a bore that passesthrough the bone from the first side to a second side of the bone, and(b) into a cavity adjacent to the second side of the bone, asolid-liquid composition of solid particles and a physiological liquidsolution; and

draining, from the cavity and through the bore, the physiological liquidsolution of the solid-liquid composition, while inhibiting passage ofthe solid particles of the solid-liquid composition, such that the solidparticles accumulate in the cavity.

-   Inventive concept 462. The method according to inventive concept    461, wherein inhibiting the passage of the solid particles comprises    using a filter to inhibit the passage of the solid particles.-   Inventive concept 463. The method according to inventive concept    462, wherein injecting the solid-liquid composition comprises    injecting the solid-liquid composition such that at least 50% of the    physiological liquid solution drains through the filter in a    distal-to-proximal direction.-   Inventive concept 464. The method according to inventive concept    461, wherein injecting the solid-liquid composition comprises    injecting 2-300 ml of the solid-liquid composition.-   Inventive concept 465. The method according to inventive concept    461, wherein the cavity is between the second side of the bone and a    membrane.-   Inventive concept 466. The method according to inventive concept    465, further comprising, before injecting the solid-liquid    composition, raising the membrane to form the cavity between the    second side of the bone and the membrane.-   Inventive concept 467. The method according to inventive concept    465, wherein the membrane is a Schneiderian membrane.-   Inventive concept 468. The method according to inventive concept    461, wherein the bore is exactly one bore through the bone.-   Inventive concept 469. The method according to inventive concept    461, further comprising, after injecting the solid-liquid    composition, implanting an implant at least partially within the    cavity.

There is also provided, in accordance with an inventive concept 470 ofthe present invention, a method comprising:

providing an osteotome, which is shaped so as to define (i) a lumenthrough the osteotome, a distal end of the lumen opening through adistal opening disposed within 10 mm of a distal end of the osteotome,and a proximal end of the lumen opening through a proximal openingdisposed at least 5 mm proximal to the distal opening, (ii) a lateralexternal surface, at least a portion of which is shaped so as to definea screw thread that (a) has a distal thread end that is disposed within10 mm of the distal end of the osteotome, and (b) comprises one or moreraised helical ribs going around the osteotome, and (iii) one or morelongitudinal drainage slots, which extend along at least respectivelongitudinal portions of the osteotome having respective longitudinallengths of at least 5 mm, measured parallel to a central longitudinalaxis of the osteotome;

inserting, from a first side of a bone, the osteotome into a bore thatpasses through the bone from the first side to a second side of thebone, such that the distal opening is disposed in the bore or in acavity adjacent to the second side of the bone;

providing a solid-liquid composition of solid particles and aphysiological liquid solution from a composition source that is coupledin fluid communication with the lumen; and

injecting the solid-liquid composition through the lumen and the distalopening into the cavity, such that (a) a portion of the physiologicalliquid solution drains through the one or more longitudinal drainageslots, and (b) the one or more longitudinal drainage slots inhibitpassage of solid particles of the solid-liquid composition such that thesolid particles accumulate in the cavity.

-   Inventive concept 471. The method according to inventive concept    470, wherein the solid particles are solid bone graft particles, and    wherein providing the solid-liquid composition comprises providing    the solid-liquid composition of the solid bone graft particles and    the physiological liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 472. The method according to inventive concept    470, wherein the osteotome is configured as a dental osteotome,    wherein the bone is a bone of a jaw, and wherein inserting comprises    inserting the dental osteotome into the bore that passes through the    bone of the jaw.-   Inventive concept 473. The method according to inventive concept    470, wherein the cavity is between the second side of the bone and a    membrane.-   Inventive concept 474. The method according to inventive concept    473, further comprising, before injecting the solid-liquid    composition, raising the membrane to form the cavity between the    second side of the bone and the membrane.-   Inventive concept 475. The method according to inventive concept    474,

wherein respective distal ends of the one or more longitudinal drainageslots are disposed at least one pitch of the screw thread from thedistal thread end,

wherein raising the membrane comprises:

-   -   advancing the osteotome into the bore such that a portion of the        screw thread distal to the respective distal ends of the one or        more longitudinal drainage slots sealingly engages a wall of the        bore; and    -   thereafter, injecting a fluid through the bore under sufficient        pressure to raise the membrane, and

wherein the method further comprises, before injecting the solid-liquidcomposition, further advancing the osteotome into the bore until the oneor more drainage slots come into fluid communication with the cavity.

-   Inventive concept 476. The method according to inventive concept    473, wherein the membrane is a Schneiderian membrane.-   Inventive concept 477. The method according to inventive concept    470, wherein the bore is exactly one bore through the bone.-   Inventive concept 478. The method according to inventive concept    470, further comprising, after injecting the solid-liquid    composition, implanting an implant at least partially within the    cavity.-   Inventive concept 479. The method according to inventive concept    470, wherein the longitudinal lengths of the respective longitudinal    portions are at least 8 mm.-   Inventive concept 480. The method according to inventive concept    479, wherein the longitudinal lengths of the respective longitudinal    portions are at least 10 mm.-   Inventive concept 481. The method according to inventive concept    480, wherein the longitudinal lengths of the respective longitudinal    portions are at least 12 mm.-   Inventive concept 482. The method according to inventive concept    470, wherein the longitudinal lengths of the respective longitudinal    portions are at least 2 mm greater than a thickness of the bone    adjacently surrounding the bore.-   Inventive concept 483. The method according to inventive concept    470, wherein the proximal opening is disposed within 10 mm of a    proximal end of the osteotome.-   Inventive concept 484. The method according to inventive concept    470, wherein at least one of the one or more longitudinal drainage    slots reaches a proximal end of the osteotome.-   Inventive concept 485. The method according to inventive concept    470, wherein respective distal ends of the one or more longitudinal    drainage slots are disposed at least one pitch of the screw thread    from the distal thread end.-   Inventive concept 486. The method according to inventive concept    485, wherein respective distal ends of the one or more longitudinal    drainage slots are disposed at least two pitches of the screw thread    from the distal thread end.-   Inventive concept 487. The method according to inventive concept    470, wherein the screw thread is multi-start.-   Inventive concept 488. The method according to inventive concept    470, wherein the osteotome further comprises a sealing element    disposed around an external surface of the osteotome, and wherein    inserting comprises inserting the osteotome into the bore such that    the sealing element forms a liquid-tight seal with tissue around and    outside the bore.-   Inventive concept 489. The method according to inventive concept    470, wherein respective distal ends of the one or more longitudinal    drainage slots are disposed at least 1.5 mm from the distal end of    the osteotome.-   Inventive concept 490. The method according to inventive concept    489, wherein respective distal ends of the one or more longitudinal    drainage slots are disposed at least 4 mm from the distal end of the    osteotome.-   Inventive concept 491. The method according to inventive concept    489, wherein the osteotome further comprises a sealing element    disposed around an external surface of the osteotome, and wherein    inserting comprises inserting the osteotome into the bore such that    the sealing element forms a liquid-tight seal with tissue around and    outside the bore.-   Inventive concept 492. The method according to inventive concept    470, wherein respective average widths of the one or more    longitudinal drainage slots are no more than 2 mm.-   Inventive concept 493. The method according to inventive concept    470, wherein respective average depths of the one or more    longitudinal drainage slots, measured with respect to an outermost    portion of the screw thread, are at least 10% greater than an    average depth of the screw thread.-   Inventive concept 494. The method according to inventive concept    470, wherein the one or more longitudinal drainage slots cross the    one or more ribs respective pluralities of times.-   Inventive concept 495. The method according to inventive concept    494, wherein the one or more longitudinal drainage slots comprise    two or more longitudinal drainage slots.-   Inventive concept 496. The method according to inventive concept    494, wherein the one or more longitudinal drainage slots are    parallel to the longitudinal axis.-   Inventive concept 497. The method according to inventive concept    494, wherein the one or more longitudinal drainage slots helically    go around the osteotome in a direction opposite to a direction of    the screw thread.-   Inventive concept 498. The method according to inventive concept    494, wherein the one or more longitudinal drainage slots helically    go around the osteotome with a slot pitch greater than a thread    pitch of the screw thread.-   Inventive concept 499. The method according to inventive concept    498, wherein the slot pitch equals at least 1.5 times the thread    pitch.-   Inventive concept 500. The method according to inventive concept    498, wherein the screw thread has one or more starts, and wherein    the slot pitch equals at least the quotient of (a) 2 mm divided    by (b) the number of starts of the screw thread.-   Inventive concept 501. The method according to inventive concept    470, wherein the screw thread has one or more starts and a    corresponding number of roots, and wherein the osteotome is shaped    so as to define a number of longitudinal drainage slots that    corresponds to a number of the starts of the screw thread, and which    are disposed within the one or more roots of the screw thread,    respectively.-   Inventive concept 502. The method according to inventive concept    501, wherein a distal end of the one or more longitudinal drainage    slots is disposed at least one pitch of the screw thread from the    distal thread end.-   Inventive concept 503. The method according to inventive concept    502, wherein the distal end of the longitudinal drainage slot is    disposed at least two pitches of the screw thread from the distal    thread end.-   Inventive concept 504. The method according to inventive concept    502, wherein the osteotome further comprises a sealing element    disposed around an external surface of the osteotome, and wherein    inserting comprises inserting the osteotome into the bore such that    the sealing element forms a liquid-tight seal with tissue around and    outside the bore.-   Inventive concept 505. The method according to inventive concept    470, for use with solid particles and a physiological liquid    solution, the method further comprising providing a solid-liquid    composition of the solid particles and the physiological liquid    solution.-   Inventive concept 506. The method according to inventive concept    470, wherein the composition source comprises a combining feeder    unit, and wherein providing the solid-liquid composition comprises    activating the combining feeder unit to provide the solid-liquid    composition by combining the solid particles with the physiological    liquid solution.-   Inventive concept 507. The method according to inventive concept    506, wherein the combining feeder unit comprises a mixing feeder    unit, and wherein providing the solid-liquid composition comprises    activating the mixing feeder unit to provide the solid-liquid    composition by mixing the solid particles with the physiological    liquid solution.

The present invention will be more fully understood from the followingdetailed description of embodiments thereof, taken together with thedrawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a surgical tool for the insertionof bone graft particles into a cavity, in accordance with an applicationof the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-C are schematic illustrations of respective configurations ofan injector unit of the surgical tool of FIG. 1, in accordance withrespective applications of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-B are schematic illustrations of respective configurations ofthe injector unit of FIG. 1, in accordance with respective applicationsof the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-B and 5A are schematic illustrations of uses of the surgicaltool of FIGS. 1, 2A-B, and 3A-B, in accordance with respectiveapplications of the present invention;

FIG. 5B a schematic illustration of an alternative configuration of ashaft unit of the surgical tool of FIGS. 1, 2A-B, and 3A-B and one usethereof, in accordance with an application of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-B and 7 are schematic illustrations of another surgical toolcomprising an injector unit, in accordance with an application of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 8A-K are highly schematic illustrations of several configurationsof a mixing feeder unit, in accordance with respective applications ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 9A-D are schematic illustrations of several configurations of anosteotome, in accordance with respective applications of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 10A-D are schematic illustrations of a portion of a sinus lift andbone graft injection procedure performed using the configuration of theosteotome of FIG. 9B, in accordance with an application of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of one use of the surgical tool ofFIGS. 1-5B for ridge augmentation, in accordance with an application ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 12A-B are schematic illustrations of one use of the surgical toolof FIGS. 1-5B for performing a minimally-invasive spinal interbodyfusion, in accordance with an application of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of one use of the surgical tool ofFIGS. 1-5B for filling a bone defect, in accordance with an applicationof the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a bone graft injection system forthe insertion of solid bone graft particles into a cavity, in accordancewith an application of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the schematic arrangement of certainelements of the bone graft injection system of FIG. 14, in accordancewith an application of the present invention;

FIG. 16A is a schematic illustration of a portion of a compositiondelivery source of the bone graft injection system of FIG. 14, inaccordance with an application of the present invention;

FIG. 16B is a schematic illustration of another configuration of aportion of a composition delivery source of the bone graft injectionsystem of FIG. 14, in accordance with an application of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17 is a timeline schematically showing activation states of controlcircuitry of the bone graft injection system of FIG. 14, in accordancewith an application of the present invention;

FIGS. 18A-D are schematic illustrations of the activation states ofcontrol circuitry of FIG. 17, in accordance with an application of thepresent invention;

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of configurations of a mixing pumpand a liquid-supply pump of the bone graft injection system of FIG. 14,in accordance with an application of the present invention;

FIGS. 20A-B are schematic illustrations of a chamber of a compositiondelivery source of the bone graft injection system of FIG. 14, inaccordance with an application of the present invention; and

FIG. 21 is a schematic illustration of a portion of a method of usingthe bone graft injection system of FIG. 14, in accordance with anapplication of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF APPLICATIONS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a surgical tool 20 for theinsertion of bone graft particles into a cavity, in accordance with anapplication of the present invention. For some applications, surgicaltool 20 is configured as an oral surgical tool. Surgical tool 20 maycomprise one or more of the following components:

-   -   a handheld motor 24, as is known in the art, which is typically        connected to external control unit 22 by a cord 26;    -   an external control unit 22, which optionally comprises a        conventional surgical implant external control unit; typically,        external control unit 22 comprises a power supply, electronics,        and a user interface for controlling handheld motor 24, as is        known in the art; for some application, external control unit 22        comprises a pump 27, such as a peristaltic pump, as is known in        the art;    -   one or more conventional drilling handpieces 28; and/or    -   a foot control 30 for controlling external control unit 22, as        is known in the art.

Surgical tool 20 further comprises a handheld bone graft injector unit32. For some applications, injector unit 32 is implemented as anattachment to a separate handheld motor 24, such as shown in FIGS. 1,2A, and 2C. Handheld motor 24 may be a surgeon's conventional motor,which may allow a surgeon to leverage conventional equipment alreadyavailable. Alternatively, handheld motor 24 may be another externalmotor. For other applications, injector unit 32 is implemented as astandalone unit comprising its own motor, such as described hereinbelowwith reference to FIG. 2B.

Surgical tool 20 is configured to be used with bone graft particles 34and a physiological liquid solution 36, such as saline solution orblood. For some applications, the bone graft particles comprise naturalbone mineral particles (either xenograft or allograft), syntheticparticles, demineralized bone matrix, an autograft, or bioactivecomposites. To this end, surgical tool 20 comprises a composition source38, which is configured to provide a solid-liquid composition 39(labeled in FIGS. 2A-C) of bone graft particles 34 and physiologicalliquid solution 36. For some applications, physiological liquid solution36 is substantially non-viscous, e.g., has a viscosity of water.Alternatively, physiological liquid solution 36 is somewhat viscous,e.g., may comprise glycerol or hyaluronic acid, which is sufficientlynon-viscous to be injected and to drain under clinically-safe pressures.For some applications, solid-liquid composition 39 further comprises aradiopaque agent, to enable X-ray visualization of the procedure. Forsome applications, bone graft particles 34 have an average particle size(measured as the greatest dimension of each particle) of at least 0.01mm, no more than 3 mm, and/or between 0.01 mm and 3 mm. For someapplications, bone graft particles 34 comprise bone graft blocks, inwhich case the greatest dimension is selected for ready passage throughdelivery lumen 42, described hereinbelow. For some applications,composition source 38 comprises a combining feeder unit 60, such asdescribed hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 2A-C. For otherapplications, composition source 38 comprises a container ofpre-combined bone graft particles 34 and physiological liquid solution36; for example, the container may comprise a syringe. For someapplications, injector unit 32 comprises composition source 38, whilefor other applications, composition source 38 is provided as a separateunit, e.g., a tabletop unit, or as a component of external control unit22.

For some applications, surgical tool 20 (e.g., injector unit 32 thereof)further comprises a solid-particle container 37, which contains bonegraft particles 34 for combining with physiological liquid solution 36.For example, solid-particle container 37 may have a volume of at least0.2 ml, no more than 20 ml, and/or between 0.2 and 20 ml. Optionally,solid-particle container 37, in addition to bone graft particles 34,contains some physiological liquid solution 36, which may enablecombining of bone graft particles 34 and physiological liquid solution36 in solid-particle container 37, such as described hereinbelow withreference to FIGS. 8A-K.

For some applications, external control unit 22 is configured to displayone or more of the following: (a) bone graft volume injected, (b) bonegraft volume remaining, (c) pressure of solid-liquid composition 39,and/or (d) total volume injected (bone graft plus physiological liquidsolution).

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A-C, which are schematic illustrationsof respective configurations of injector unit 32, in accordance withrespective applications of the present invention.

In the configurations shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, injector unit 32 isimplemented as an attachment to separate handheld motor 24.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 2B, injector unit 32 is implementedas a standalone unit, which typically comprises one or more of thefollowing elements: (a) its own motor 41, (b) a pump 43, such asdescribed hereinbelow, (c) a rechargeable or disposable battery 45, (d)liquid solution container 66, and/or (e) a drainage container 47. Forsome applications, injector unit 32 comprises a combinedliquid-solution-drainage container instead of a separate liquid solutioncontainer 66 and a separate drainage container 47. This configurationprovides close loop circulation of physiological liquid solution 36, andthus may, for example, allow the use of less physiological liquidsolution 36 because the solution is reused during operation.

Injector unit 32 comprises a shaft unit 40, such as exactly one shaftunit 40, which is shaped so as to define a delivery lumen 42 and adrainage lumen 44. Shaft unit 40 comprises one or more shafts(including, for example, a delivery shaft 56, which defines deliverylumen 42), which may be arranged concentrically and/or alongside oneanother. Composition source 38 is coupled in fluid communication withdelivery lumen 42, such as via a feeder tube 35, which optionally isflexible and/or transmits torque. Delivery lumen 42 and drainage lumen44 are typically not in fluid communication with each other within shaftunit 40. Typically, a largest circle circumscribed by a cross-section ofdelivery lumen 42 has a diameter of at least 1 mm, such as at least 1.5mm, and/or no more than 7 mm, such as no more than 4 mm (thecross-section is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the deliverylumen).

Injector unit 32 further comprises a distal opening 46, which istypically disposed within 10 mm of a distal end 48 of shaft unit 40(e.g., within 5 mm of the distal end, such as at the distal end), influid communication with delivery lumen 42. For some applications,distal opening 46 comprises a nozzle, for controlling the directionand/or flow rate of the distribution of solid-liquid composition 39. Thenozzle may be shaped so as to define one or more lateral or distalopenings. As used in the present application, including in the claims,distal end 48 of shaft unit 40 means the distal-most point(s) of theshaft unit.

For some applications, such as shown in FIGS. 2A-C, surgical tool 20comprises a plurality of elements disposed around and outside deliverylumen 42 for facilitating (a) inhibiting passage of bone graft particles34 of solid-liquid composition 39 to drainage lumen 44, and (b) allowingpassage of physiological liquid solution 36 of solid-liquid composition39 to drainage lumen 44.

To this end, for some applications, such as shown in FIGS. 2A-B,injector unit 32 further comprises a filter 50 (which may comprise theplurality of elements mentioned immediately above), which is disposed influid communication with drainage lumen 44, and which is configured to(a) inhibit passage of bone graft particles 34 of solid-liquidcomposition 39 and (b) allow passage of physiological liquid solution 36of solid-liquid composition 39. For some applications, filter 50 isdisposed within 10 mm of distal end 48 of shaft unit 40, e.g., at distalend 48. For other applications filter 50 is disposed elsewhere alongshaft unit 40, or outside of shaft unit 40 in fluid communication withdrainage lumen 44. For some applications, such as shown in FIGS. 2A, 3A,and 3B, filter 50 is shaped so as to define a plurality of slits 52having a width narrower than bone graft particles 34. Alternatively oradditionally, for some applications, filter 50 comprises a mesh havingopenings smaller than bone graft particles 34.

For some applications, filter 50, distal opening 46, and/orsolid-particle container 37 are detachable from surgical tool 20 and/ordisposable.

For other applications, such as shown in FIG. 2C, delivery shaft 56 ofexactly one shaft unit 40 is shaped so as to define a plurality of ribelements 76 that extend radially outward from an external surface 78 ofdelivery shaft 56 (the rib elements may be the plurality of elementsmentioned above). For some applications, rib elements 76 extend anaverage distance of at least 0.1 mm, no more than 2 mm, and/or between0.1 and 2 mm radially outward from external surface 78 of delivery shaft56. Alternatively or additionally, for some applications, rib elements76 extend longitudinally along external surface 78 of delivery shaft 56for an average distance of at least 1 mm, such as at least 1 cm.

As mentioned above, for some applications, composition source 38comprises combining feeder unit 60, which is configured to providesolid-liquid composition 39 by combining bone graft particles 34 withphysiological liquid solution 36. For some applications, combiningfeeder unit 60 comprises a mixing feeder unit 62, which is configured toprovide solid-liquid composition 39 by mixing bone graft particles 34with physiological liquid solution 36. Several possible configurationsof mixing feeder unit 62 are described hereinbelow with reference toFIGS. 8A-K. For some applications, such as shown in FIGS. 2A-B, mixingfeeder unit comprises an Archimedes screw 180. For other applications,such as shown in FIG. 2C, mixing feeder unit 62 comprises a shaft 72 anda plurality of mixing blades 74 attached to shaft 72, optionallyextending radially outward from shaft 72.

As described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 4A-B and 5A-B, injectorunit 32 is configured to inject solid-liquid composition 39 throughdelivery lumen 42 and distal opening 46 into a cavity, such that (a) aportion of physiological liquid solution 36 drains through filter 50,and (b) filter 50 inhibits passage of bone graft particles 34 ofsolid-liquid composition 39, such that bone graft particles 34accumulate in the cavity.

To enable such injection, for some applications surgical tool 20 furthercomprises a pump, which is configured to pump solid-liquid composition39 through distal opening 46 via delivery lumen 42. For someapplications, such as those in which injector unit 32 is implemented asan attachment to separate handheld motor 24 (such as shown in FIGS. 2Aand 2C), the pump comprises pump 27 of external control unit 22. Inthese applications, a supply tube 64 typically is coupled in fluidcommunication with (a) a liquid solution container 66 (such as a bag)that contains physiological liquid solution 36, and (b) combining feederunit 60; supply tube 64 passes through pump 27. For other applications,such as those in which injector unit 32 is implemented as a standaloneunit (such as shown in FIG. 2B), the pump comprises pump 43 of injectorunit 32.

For some applications, the pump is configured to pump solid-liquidcomposition 39 at a pulsating positive hydraulic pressure. Suchpulsation may help distribute solid-liquid composition 39 in the cavity,and/or inhibit clogging of filter 50, such as described hereinbelow. Forsome applications, the pump is configured to pump solid-liquidcomposition 39 at a pulsating hydraulic pressure that periodicallyvaries between positive and negative (optionally, the negative pressureis applied a smaller portion of the time than is the positive pressure).Such pulsation may help inhibit clogging of filter 50, such as describedhereinbelow. For some applications, the pump is configured to pumpsolid-liquid composition 39 through distal opening 46 via delivery lumen42 during a plurality of positive-pressure periods that alternate with aplurality of negative-pressure periods, and to set an average durationof the positive-pressure periods to be less than or equal to an averageduration of the negative-pressure periods. For some applications, thepump is configured to set the average duration of the positive-pressureperiods to be equal to the average duration of the negative-pressureperiods. This technique typically allows time for at least a portion(e.g., most or nearly all) of bone graft particles 34 to settle incavity 90 before liquid of solid-liquid composition 39 is withdrawn,thereby allowing for accumulation of bone graft particles 34 in cavity90.

For some applications, surgical tool 20 further comprises a suctionsource 49 (labeled in FIG. 1), which is coupled in fluid communicationwith drainage lumen 44, such as by a suction tube 51. The suctionprovided by suction source 49 facilitates drainage of the filteredphysiological liquid solution 36. Alternatively, suction is not used,and passive drainage is sufficient, such as because of pressure build-upin the cavity generated by the injection of solid-liquid composition 39.For some applications, the pump is configured to clear bone graftparticles 34 that accumulate on filter 50 during drainage ofphysiological liquid solution 36 through filter 50, by periodicallyapplying a positive pressure to drainage lumen 44.

For some applications, surgical tool 20 (e.g., injector unit 32 thereof,such as shaft unit 40) is configured to inhibit clogging of filter 50 bybone graft particles 34 as physiological liquid solution 36 drainsthrough filter 50. For some applications, surgical tool 20 (e.g.,injector unit 32 thereof, such as shaft unit 40) is configured to movedistal opening 46 and shaft unit 40 with respect to each other (forapplications in which distal opening 46 comprises the nozzle, the nozzleand shaft unit 40 with respect to each other), for example duringdelivery of solid-liquid composition 39. For example, surgical tool 20(e.g., injector unit 32 thereof, such as shaft unit 40) may beconfigured to:

-   -   rotate distal opening 46 and shaft unit 40 with respect to each        other; the rotation may be either full or partial, and/or        unidirectional and/or bidirectional; for some applications,        surgical tool 20 (e.g., injector unit 32 thereof) is configured        to rotate distal opening 46 while holding shaft unit 40        rotationally immobile, while for other applications, surgical        tool 20 (e.g., injector unit 32 thereof) is configured to rotate        shaft unit 40 while holding distal opening 46 rotationally        immobile;    -   move distal opening 46 and shaft unit 40 side-to-side with        respect to each other;    -   move distal opening 46 and shaft unit 40 axially back-and-forth        with respect to each other; and/or    -   vibrate distal opening 46 and shaft unit 40 side-to-side with        respect to each other; and/or

Alternatively or additionally, for some applications, surgical tool 20(e.g., injector unit 32 thereof) is configured to automatically applymotion to shaft unit 40 selected from the group consisting of:vibrational motion, rotational motion, oscillatory motion, axialback-and-forth motion, and lateral side-to-side motion. Furtheralternatively or additionally, for some applications, surgical tool 20(e.g., injector unit 32 thereof) is configured to vibrate solid-liquidcomposition 39 in delivery lumen 42.

For some applications, in order to provide any of the above-mentionedmotions, surgical tool 20 uses electromagnetic power or pneumatic power.

For some applications, surgical tool 20 (e.g., injector unit 32 thereof,such as shaft unit 40) is configured such that flow of solid-liquidcomposition 39 causes distal opening 46 and shaft unit 40 to move withrespect to each other. Alternatively or additionally, for someapplications, surgical tool 20 (e.g., injector unit 32 thereof, such asshaft unit 40) is configured such that flow of filtered physiologicalliquid solution 36 causes distal opening 46 and shaft unit 40 to movewith respect to each other.

For some applications, such as shown in FIGS. 2A-C, surgical tool 20(e.g., injector unit 32 thereof) further comprises an element 54disposed around an external surface of shaft unit 40. For someapplications, element 54 comprises a scaling element, which isconfigured to form a liquid-tight seal with tissue (gingiva or bone)around and outside a bore through the bone when shaft unit 40 isinserted into the bore. Sealing element 54 may inhibit flow of thefiltered physiological liquid solution 36 into the patient's mouth.

For some applications, such as shown in FIG. 2A-C, element 54 comprisesa depth limiting element, which is configured to limit a depth ofinsertion of shaft unit 40 into a bore through a bone when shaft unit 40is inserted into the bore; optionally, the depth limiting element isremovably attached to shaft unit 40. For some applications, element 54alternatively or additionally serves as the depth limiting element;optionally, element 54 is removably attached to shaft unit 40. For someapplications, a plurality of depth limiting elements are provided havingdifferent respective lengths. For some applications, such as shown inFIG. 2C, depth limiting element 54 is shaped so as to define a portionof drainage lumen 44 between at least a portion of an internal surfaceof depth limiting element 54 and a portion of external surface 78 ofdelivery shaft 56.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A-B, which are schematic illustrationsof respective configurations of injector unit 32, in accordance withrespective applications of the present invention. In theseconfigurations, surgical tool 20 (e.g., injector unit 32 thereof, suchas shaft unit 40) further comprises a filter clearing element 70, whichis configured to clear bone graft particles 34 that accumulate on filter50 during drainage of physiological liquid solution 36 through filter50. Filter clearing element 70 may also serve to distribute solid-liquidcomposition, in order to provide better distribution of bone graftparticles 34 in cavity 90 and to prevent the bone graft particles fromclogging distal opening 46.

For some applications, surgical tool 20 (e.g., injector unit 32 thereof)is configured to move filter clearing element 70 with respect to filter50. For example, surgical tool 20 (e.g., injector unit 32 thereof) maybe configured to (a) rotate filter clearing element 70 (the rotation maybe either full or partial, and/or unidirectional and/or bidirectional);and/or (b) axially move filter clearing element 70.

For some applications, such as shown in FIGS. 3A-B, filter clearingelement 70 is fixed to distal opening 46 (i.e., to the structure thatdefines distal opening 46). For some applications in which distalopening 46 comprises the nozzle, filter clearing element 70 is fixed tothe nozzle. In some of these applications, the various motions of distalopening 46 and shaft unit 40 with respect to each other, describedhereinabove with reference to FIGS. 2A-B, facilitate the movement offilter clearing element 70 with respect to filter 50.

For some applications, such as shown in FIGS. 2A-C and 3A, filter 50 isdisposed around an axis 80 of distal opening 46. For some applications,such as shown in FIGS. 2A-C and 3A, filter 50 is disposed arounddelivery lumen 42 in shaft unit 40.

For some applications, such as shown in FIGS. 2A-C and 3A, drainagelumen 44 is disposed around delivery lumen 42 in shaft unit 40. Forother applications, such as shown in FIG. 3B, drainage lumen 44 isdisposed alongside delivery lumen 42 in shaft unit 40.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A-B and 5A, which are schematicillustrations of uses of surgical tool 20, in accordance with respectiveapplications of the present invention. The illustrated use is typicallyperformed in conjunction with a minimally-invasive closed sinus liftsurgical procedure for implanting a dental implant. The procedure istypically employed when a patient's alveolar maxillary bone 82 lackssufficient bone mass to support a conventional dental implant. Theprocedure may be performed using any of the techniques described in thepatents and patent application publications incorporated hereinbelow byreference, or using other sinus lift techniques known in the art. Forsome applications, the surgeon reflects gingiva 84, exposing an occlusalsurface of maxillary alveolar bone 82 as shown in FIGS. 4A-B and 5A.Alternatively, a flapless procedure is performed, in which the gingivais not reflected (approach not shown). Although a crestal approach isshown, a lateral approach may alternatively be used.

A bore 86 (e.g., exactly one bore) is formed through bone 82 from afirst side of the bone to a second side of the bone. A Schneiderianmembrane 88 is raised to form a cavity 90 between the second side of thebone and Schneiderian membrane 88, such as using hydraulic pressure ormechanical elevation.

Reference is still made to FIGS. 4A-B. Exactly one shaft unit 40 isinserted, from the first side of a bone, into bore 86, such that distalopening 46 is disposed in bore 86 or in cavity 90 (in other words,distal opening 46 may or may not penetrate the sinus floor).Solid-liquid composition 39 is injected through delivery lumen 42 anddistal opening 46 into cavity 90, such that (a) a portion ofphysiological liquid solution 36 drains into drainage lumen 44, and (b)passage of bone graft particles 34 of solid-liquid composition 39 intodrainage lumen 44 is inhibited, such that bone graft particles 34accumulate in cavity 90, and function as regenerative material.Typically, at least 50% of physiological liquid solution 36 drainsthrough filter 50 in a distal-to-proximal direction, optionally whilesolid-liquid composition 39 is being injected. Typically, 2-300 ml ofsolid-liquid composition 39 is injected. Typically, between 0.2 and 20ml of bone graft particles accumulate in the cavity. Typically, but notnecessarily, physiological liquid solution 36 drains into drainage lumen44 (e.g., through filter 50) at the same time that solid-liquidcomposition 39 is injected.

For some applications, such as shown in FIG. 4A, in which shaft unit 40has the configuration described hereinabove with reference to FIGS.2A-B, (a) the portion of physiological liquid solution 36 drains throughfilter 50 and into drainage lumen 44, and (b) filter 50 inhibits passageof bone graft particles 34 of solid-liquid composition 39, such thatbone graft particles 34 accumulate in cavity 90, and function asregenerative material.

For other applications, such as shown in FIG. 4B, in which shaft unit 40has the configuration described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 2C,exactly one shaft unit 40 is inserted into bore 86 such that ribelements 76 space external surface 78 of delivery shaft 56 away from aninner wall of bore 86, thereby defining a fluid flow path 79 betweenexternal surface 78 of delivery shaft 56 and the inner watt of bore 86.As a result, (a) the portion of physiological liquid solution 36 drainsthrough fluid flow path 79 and into drainage lumen 44, and (b) passageof bone graft particles 34 of solid-liquid composition 39 into fluidflow path 79 is inhibited, such that the solid particles accumulate inthe cavity.

For some applications, inserting shaft unit 40 comprises positioningdistal opening 46 at a location at a distance from the second side ofthe bone, the distance equal to at least 50% (e.g., at least 75%) of aheight of cavity 90 directly above bore 86, and solid-liquid compositionis injected (e.g., pumped) while distal opening 46 is positioned at thelocation. For some applications, distal opening 46 is positioned atbetween 2 and 12 mm (e.g., 4 and 6 mm) from Schneiderian membrane 88 ata roof of cavity 90 directly above bore 86. For some applications,distal opening 46 is disposed at distal end 48 of shaft unit 40, andpositioning distal opening 46 comprises positioning distal end 48 ofshaft unit 40 at the location. For some applications, raisingSchneiderian membrane 88 comprises injecting physiological solutionthrough delivery lumen 42 after inserting shaft unit 40 into bore 86.

Alternatively, the surgeon injects solid-liquid composition 39 to liftmembrane 88, thereby combining the lift and bone graft injection stepsinto a single step. Further alternatively, the surgeon uses surgicaltool 20 to inject physiological solution, e.g., saline solution, toraise the membrane.

After solid-liquid composition 39 is injected, an implant is implantedat least partially within cavity 90, either during the same procedure orafter bone grows into bone graft particles 34 in cavity 90. After bonegrows into bone graft particles 34, a dental appliance, such as a crown,is coupled to the implant.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5B, which a schematic illustration of analternative configuration of shaft unit 40 and one use thereof, inaccordance with an application of the present invention. In thisconfiguration, distal end 48 of shaft unit 40 is disposed no more distalthan a distal-most surface of sealing element 54. Distal end 48 of shaftunit 40 may be either flush with the distal-most surface of sealingelement 54, or recessed within sealing element 54 (i.e., proximal to thedistal-most surface of sealing element 54). Because sealing element 54forms a fluid-tight seal with the tissue (gingiva or bone) surroundingbore 86, distal opening 46 is disposed in fluid communication with bore86 (and cavity 90), and solid-liquid composition 39, when injectedthrough distal opening 46, flows into bore 86 and then into cavity 90.Similarly, filtered physiological liquid solution 36 passes from cavity90, through bore 86, and into drainage lumen 44. For some applications,shaft unit 40 is not provided. Distal opening 46 may instead be providedby another portion of injector unit 32 (such as an external surfacethereof), and configured to provide fluid communication with an openingthrough sealing element 54.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A-B and 7, which are schematicillustrations of a surgical tool 120 comprising an injector unit 132, inaccordance with an application of the present invention. Except asdescribed hereinbelow, surgical tool 120 and injector unit 132 aregenerally similar to surgical tool 20 and injector unit 32, describedhereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1-3B, and may implement any of thefeatures thereof. Surgical tool 120 (e.g., injector unit 132 thereof)comprises exactly one shaft unit 140, which is shaped so as to define alumen 142, and a distal opening 146, which is typically disposed within10 mm of a distal end 148 of shaft unit 140 (e.g., within 5 mm of thedistal end, such as at the distal end), in fluid communication withlumen 142. Composition source 38, described hereinbelow with referenceto FIGS. 2A-C, is coupled in selective fluid communication with lumen142. As used in the present application, including in the claims, distalend 148 of shaft unit 140 means the distal-most point(s) of the shaftunit.

For some applications, shaft unit 140 is shaped so as to define exactlyone lumen 142. For other applications, shaft unit 140 is shaped so as todefine a plurality of lumens that are in fluid communication with oneanother in shaft unit 140. Typically, a largest circle circumscribed bya cross-section of lumen 142 has a diameter of at least 1 mm, such as atleast 1.5 mm, and/or no more than 7 mm, such as no more than 4 mm (thecross-section is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the lumen).

Injector unit 132 further comprises a one-way filter 150, which isdisposed in fluid communication with lumen 142, and which is configuredto:

-   -   allow passage, in a proximal-to-distal direction ((schematically        indicated by an arrow 151 in FIG. 6A), of bone graft particles        34 and physiological liquid solution 36 of solid-liquid        composition 39,    -   inhibit passage, in a distal-to-proximal direction        (schematically indicated by an arrow 153 in FIG. 6B), of bone        graft particles 34 of solid-liquid composition 39, and    -   allow passage, in the distal-to-proximal direction, of        physiological liquid solution 36 of solid-liquid composition 39.

For some applications, surgical tool 120 (e.g., injector unit 132thereof) comprises a one-way filter valve 152 that comprises one-wayfilter 150. One-way filter valve 152 is in fluid communication withlumen 142. For example, one-way filter valve 152 may comprise a leafvalve 154, which comprises one or more leafs 156. For example, leafs 156may comprise mesh 158 having openings smaller than bone graft particles34, or may be shaped so as to define a plurality of slits having a widthnarrower than bone graft particles 34. For some applications, one-wayfilter 150 is disposed within 10 mm of distal end 148 of shaft unit 140.

Composition source 38 is coupled in fluid communication with lumen 142,such as via a feeder tube 135. For some applications, surgical tool 20is shaped so as to define a suction port 160, and one-way filter 150 isin selective fluid communication with suction source 49 via suction port160. For some applications, suction port 160 is disposed at a site 162along a fluid path between one-way filter 150 and composition source 38,and surgical tool 20 (e.g., injector unit 32 thereof) further comprisesa source one-way valve 166, which is disposed along the fluid pathproximal to site 162 at which suction port 160 is disposed.

For some applications, the pump (e.g., pump 27 of external control unit22, or pump 43 of injector unit 132) is configured to pump solid-liquidcomposition 39 through distal opening 146 via lumen 142. For someapplications, the pump is configured to pump solid-liquid composition 39with an on-off duty cycle. For some applications, suction port 160 isconfigured to assume an open state when the pump is off, and a closedstate when the pump is on. For some applications, suction source 49 isconfigured to apply suction when the pump is off, and not apply thesuction when the pump is on.

To inhibit suctioning of bone graft particles 34 through suction port160, for some applications, source one-way valve 166 is configured toopen at a higher pressure gradient than the pressure gradient at whichone-way filter valve 152 opens (the injection pressure is typicallysubstantially higher than the suction vacuum). Alternatively oradditionally, application of the suction is synchronized withapplication of the pressure, so that the suction is off when thesolid-liquid composition 39 is injected and vice versa.

For some applications, surgical tool 120 is used in conjunction with aminimally-invasive sinus lift surgical procedure for implanting a dentalimplant. Other than as described below, the procedure is similar to theprocedure described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 4A-B and 5A.After the bore has been formed and Schneiderian membrane 88 has beenraised to form cavity 90, the exactly one shaft unit 140 is inserted,from a first side of bone 82, such that distal opening 146 is disposedin the bore or in cavity 90. Solid-liquid composition 39 is injectedthrough lumen 142, one-way filter 150, and distal opening 146 intocavity 90, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 7. Physiological liquid solution 36of solid-liquid composition 39 drains through one-way filter 150, asshown in FIG. 6B. Typically, at least 50% of physiological liquidsolution 36 drains through filter 50 in the distal-to-proximaldirection.

For some applications, injecting and draining comprise alternatinglyinjecting (as shown in FIGS. 6A and 7) and draining (as shown in FIG.6B). For some applications, injecting solid-liquid composition 39comprises pumping solid-liquid composition 39 at a positive hydraulicpressure, and draining physiological liquid solution 36 comprisessuctioning physiological liquid solution 36 at a negative hydraulicpressure. For some applications, pumping and suctioning comprisealternatingly pumping and suctioning.

An implant is implanted, as described hereinabove with reference toFIGS. 4A-B and 5A.

For some applications, distal end 148 of shaft unit 140 is disposed nomore distal than a distal-most surface of sealing element 54, such asdescribed hereinabove with reference to FIG. 5B, mutatis mutandis.Distal end 148 of shaft unit 140 may be either flush with thedistal-most surface of sealing element 54, or recessed within sealingelement 54 (i.e., proximal to the distal-most surface of sealing element54). Because sealing element 54 forms a fluid-tight seal with the tissue(gingiva or bone) surrounding bore 86, distal opening 146 is disposed influid communication with bore 86 (and cavity 90), and solid-liquidcomposition 39, when injected through distal opening 146, flows intobore 86 and then into cavity 90. Similarly, physiological liquidsolution 36 passes from cavity 90, through bore 86 and one-way filter150, and into lumen 142. For some applications, shaft unit 140 is notprovided. Distal opening 146 may instead be provided by another portionof injector unit 132 (such as an external surface thereof), andconfigured to provide fluid communication with an opening throughsealing element 54.

Reference is again made to FIGS. 2A-C, and is additionally made to FIGS.8A-K, which are highly schematic illustrations of several configurationsof mixing feeder unit 62, in accordance with respective applications ofthe present invention. Mixing feeder unit 62 may retrieve bone graftparticles 34 from solid-particle container 37 passively (such as bygravity and/or flow of physiological liquid solution 36 throughsolid-particle container 37). Alternatively or additionally, mixingfeeder unit 62 may retrieve bone graft particles 34 from solid-particlecontainer 37 actively, such as using one or more of the following:vibration (in order to overcome the pressure filtration effect),ultrasonic energy, positive pressure (automatic or manual) in thecontainer applied by physiological liquid solution 36, suction, and/ordosage-controlled portioning of bone graft particles 34 using Archimedesscrew 180 (shown in FIGS. 2A-B), shaft 72 with mixing blades 74 (shownin FIG. 2C), or by periodically opening an exit orifice, which releasesbone graft particles into the flow of physiological liquid solution 36.

FIGS. 8A-K schematically illustrate several configurations for mixingbone graft particles 34 with physiological liquid solution 36 togenerate solid-liquid composition 39. By way of example and notlimitation, in these figures physiological liquid solution 36 isreferred to as “saline,” and solid-liquid composition 39 is referred toas “mixed solution.”

FIG. 8A illustrates passive mixing without application of pressure tophysiological liquid solution 36.

FIG. 8B illustrates active mixing (using a mixing unit 182) withoutapplication of pressure to physiological liquid solution 36.

FIG. 8C illustrates active mixing (using mixing unit 182) withoutapplication of pressure to physiological liquid solution 36, with theaddition of active retrieval of bone graft particles 34 fromsolid-particle container 37.

FIG. 8D illustrates passive mixing with the application of pressure tophysiological liquid solution 36, and the flow of physiological liquidsolution 36 through solid-particle container 37.

FIG. 8E illustrates active mixing (using mixing unit 182) with theapplication of pressure to physiological liquid solution 36, and theflow of physiological liquid solution 36 through solid-particlecontainer 37.

FIG. 8F illustrates active mixing (using mixing unit 182) with theapplication of pressure to physiological liquid solution 36, with theaddition of active retrieval of bone graft particles 34 fromsolid-particle container 37, and the flow of physiological liquidsolution 36 through solid-particle container 37.

FIG. 8G illustrates passive mixing with or without application ofpressure to physiological liquid solution 36, and the flow of all ofphysiological liquid solution 36 through solid-particle container 37.

FIG. 8H illustrates active mixing (using mixing unit 182) with orwithout application of pressure to physiological liquid solution 36, andthe flow of all of physiological liquid solution 36 throughsolid-particle container 37.

FIG. 8I illustrates active mixing (using mixing unit 182) without theapplication of pressure to physiological liquid solution 36, with theaddition of active retrieval of bone graft particles 34 fromsolid-particle container 37, and the flow of all of physiological liquidsolution 36 through solid-particle container 37.

FIG. 8J illustrates the reverse flow of all of physiological liquidsolution 36 through solid-particle container 37; the flow againstgravity minimizes the pressure filtration effect.

FIG. 8K illustrates the reverse flow of physiological liquid solution 36through solid-particle container 37, with the addition of application ofsuction for active retrieval of bone graft particles 34 andphysiological liquid solution 36 from solid-particle container 37, andactive mixing (using mixing unit 182).

Reference is now made to FIGS. 9A-D, which are schematic illustrationsof several configurations of an osteotome 200, in accordance withrespective applications of the present invention. Osteotome 200 isconfigured to be used with bone graft particles 34 and a physiologicalliquid solution 36, such as saline solution or blood, in a mannersimilar to surgical tool 20, described hereinabove with reference toFIGS. 1-5B and 8A-K. For some applications, osteotome 200 is configuredas a dental osteotome.

Osteotome 200 is shaped so as to define:

-   -   a lumen 210 through osteotome 200. A distal end 212 of lumen 210        opens through a distal opening 214 disposed within 10 mm of a        distal end 216 of osteotome 200, such as within 5 nun of distal        end 216, e.g., at distal end 216. A proximal end 218 of lumen        210 opens through a proximal opening 220 disposed at least 5 mm        proximal to distal opening 214. For some applications, proximal        opening 220 is disposed within 10 mm of a proximal end 222 of        osteotome 200, such as within 5 mm of proximal end 222, e.g., at        proximal end 222,    -   a lateral external surface 230, at least a portion of which is        shaped so as to define a screw thread 232 that (a) has a distal        thread end 234 that is disposed within 10 mm of distal end 216        of osteotome 200, such as within 5 mm of distal end 216, e.g.,        within 1 mm of distal end 216, and (b) comprises one or more        raised helical ribs 236 going around osteotome 200, and    -   one or more longitudinal drainage slots 250, which extend along        at least respective longitudinal portions 252 of osteotome 200        having respective longitudinal lengths L of at least 5 mm, such        as at least 8 mm, e.g., at least 10 mm, such as at least 12 mm,        measured parallel to a central longitudinal axis 253 of        osteotome 200 (typically, the longitudinal lengths L are no more        than 20 mm).

As used in the present application, including in the claims, distal end216 of osteotome 200 means the distal-most point(s) of the osteotome.Similarly, proximal end 222 of osteotome 200 means the proximal-mostpoint(s) of the osteotome.

Typically, a largest circle circumscribed by a cross-section of lumen210 has a diameter of at least 1 mm, such as at least 1.5 mm, and or nomore than 7 mm, such as no more than 4 mm (the cross-section isperpendicular to central longitudinal axis 253).

For some applications, the longitudinal lengths L of the respectivelongitudinal portions 252 are at least 2 mm greater than a thickness ofbone 82 adjacently surrounding bore 86. This provides for 1 mm oflongitudinal draining slots on the top and the bottom of the bone.

FIGS. 9A-D show four different configurations 200A, 200B, 200C, and 200Dof osteotome 200. For some applications, such as in all of theconfigurations shown, at least one of the one or more longitudinaldrainage slots 250 reaches proximal end 222 of osteotome 200.Alternatively, at least one of the one or more longitudinal drainageslots 250 does not reach proximal end 222 of osteotome 200(configuration not shown).

For some applications, such as in configurations 200B and 200D shown inFIGS. 9B and 9D, respectively, respective distal ends 260 of the one ormore longitudinal drainage slots 250 are disposed at least one pitch Pof the screw thread from distal thread end 234, such as at least twopitches P of the screw thread from distal thread end 234, or at leastthree pitches P of the screw thread from distal thread end 234. For someapplications, such as in configurations 200B and 200D shown in FIGS. 9Band 9D, respectively, respective distal ends 260 of the one or morelongitudinal drainage slots 250 are disposed at least 1.5 mm from distalend 216 of osteotome 200, such as at least 4 mm from distal end 216 ofosteotome 200. For some applications, osteotome 200 further comprises asealing element 254 disposed around an external surface of osteotome200, and configured to form a liquid-tight seal with tissue (gingiva 84or bone 82) around and outside bore 86 when osteotome 200 is insertedinto bore 86. Sealing element 254 may be particularly useful inconfigurations 200A and 200C, but may also be provided in the otherconfigurations.

For some applications, screw thread 232 is multi-start, i.e., is shapedto define more than one start, as is known in the screw art. Forexample, screw thread 232 may be double-start (as shown in FIGS. 9A-D),triple-start, or quadruple-start. It is noted that the pitch P of amulti-start screw is measured between axially-adjacent rib portions,even thought the rib portions are from different ribs, as is known inthe screw art.

For some applications, respective average widths of the one or morelongitudinal drainage slots 250 are no more than 3 mm, such as no morethan 2 mm, e.g., no more than 1.5 mm or 1 mm. Typically, the widths ofthe one or more longitudinal drainage slots 250 are selected to besmaller than the bone graft particles 34, in order to filter the bonegraft particles 34 (i.e., inhibit their passage through the drainageslots).

For some applications, respective average depths or the one or morelongitudinal drainage slots 250, measured with respect to an outermostportion of screw thread 232 (i.e., locally with respect to the outermostportion of the screw thread; the width of the screw thread may varytherealong), are at least 10% greater than an average depth of screwthread 232, and/or at least 0.1 mm (such as at least 0.3 mm, e.g., atleast 0.5 mm) greater than the average depth of screw thread 232, and/orat least 0.4 mm from the outermost portion of screw thread 232.(Typically, the average thread depth of screw thread 232 is at least 0.1mm, such as at least 0.3 mm.)

For some applications, such as in configurations 200A and 200B shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B, respectively, the one or more longitudinal drainageslots 250 cross the one or more ribs 236 respective pluralities oftimes. For some of these applications, the one or more longitudinaldrainage slots 250 comprise two or more longitudinal drainage slots 250,such as two, three, four, five, six, or more than six slots 250. Forsome of these applications, the one or more longitudinal drainage slots250 are parallel to central longitudinal axis 253. For some of theseapplications, the one or more longitudinal drainage slots 250 helicallygo around the dental osteotome (a) either in the same or oppositedirection as screw thread 232, with a slot pitch greater than a threadpitch of screw thread 232, such as at least 1.5 times the thread pitch,or (b) in the opposite direction as screw thread 232 (in which case theslot pitch is not necessarily greater than the thread pitch of screwthread 232). For some applications, the slot pitch equals at least thequotient of (a) 2 mm divided by (b) the number of starts of screw thread232. (Typically, the thread pitch is at least the quotient of (a) 1 mm(e.g., 1.2 mm, such as 2 mm) divided by (b) the number of starts ofscrew thread 232.)

For other applications, such as in configurations 200C and 200D shown inFIGS. 9C and 9D, respectively, screw thread 232 has one or more startsand a corresponding number of roots, and osteotome 200 is shaped so asto define a number of longitudinal drainage slots 250 that correspondsto a number of the starts of screw thread 232, and which are disposedwithin the one or more roots of screw thread 232, respectively,typically at the deepest part of the roots (and thus follow the helicalpath of screw thread 232 around the osteotome). For some of theseapplications, as in configuration 200D shown in FIG. 9D, distal end 260of longitudinal drainage slot 250 is disposed at least one pitch P ofscrew thread 232 from distal thread end 234, such as at least twopitches P of screw thread 232 from distal thread end 234, e.g., at leastthree pitches P of screw thread 232 from distal thread end 234.

Typically, osteotome 200 is configured to be used with bone graftparticles 34 and physiological liquid solution 36, as describedhereinabove. During use, osteotome 200 is inserted, from a first side ofbone 82, into bore 86, such that distal opening 214 is disposed in thebore or in a cavity adjacent to the second side of the bone. Asolid-liquid composition 39 of bone graft particles 34 and physiologicalliquid solution 36 is provided from composition source 38 that iscoupled in fluid communication with lumen 210. Solid-liquid composition39 is injected through lumen 210 and distal opening 214 into cavity 90,such that (a) a portion of physiological liquid solution 36 drainsthrough the one or more longitudinal drainage slots 250, and (b) the oneor more longitudinal drainage slots 250 inhibit passage of bone graftparticles 34 of solid-liquid composition 39 such that the bone graftparticles 34 accumulate in cavity 90.

For some applications, osteotome 200 is configured as a dentalosteotome, and bone 82 is a bone of a jaw. For some applications, cavity90 is between the second side of bone 82 and a membrane, such asSchneiderian membrane 88. Typically, before inserting osteotome 200, themembrane is raised to form cavity 90 between the second side of bone 82and membrane 88.

Typically, proximal end 222 of osteotome 200 is shaped so as to define acoupling interface, such as a male or female coupling interface, which,for example, may be shaped so as to define a male or female polygonhaving four or more sides, such as five or more sides, or six or moresides, e.g., exactly four, five, or six sides. The surgeon may use aconventional dental wrench or dental drill to engage the couplinginterface and rotate the osteotome.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 10A-D, which are schematic illustrationsof a portion of a sinus lift and bone graft injection procedureperformed using configuration 200B of osteotome 200, in accordance withan application of the present invention. The same method may be usedwith configuration 200D, mutatis mutandis. As mentioned above, inconfigurations 200B and 200D, shown in FIGS. 9B and 9D, respectively,respective distal ends 260 of the one or more longitudinal drainageslots 250 are disposed at least one pitch P of screw thread 232 fromdistal thread end 234.

The procedure begins as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS.4A-B and 5A, including forming bore 86 (e.g., exactly one bore) throughbone 82 from a first side of bone 82 to a second side of bone 82 (stepsnot shown). Thereafter, membrane 88 is raised by (a) advancing osteotome200 into bore 86 such that a portion of screw thread 232 distal torespective distal ends 260 of the one or more longitudinal drainageslots 250 sealingly engages a wall of bore 86, such as shown in FIG.10A, and (b) thereafter, injecting a physiological fluid (e.g., salinesolution) through the bore under sufficient pressure to raise membrane88, such as shown in FIG. 10B. Such raising may be performed using anyof the techniques described in the patents and patent applicationpublications incorporated hereinbelow by reference, or using otherhydraulic pressure sinus lift techniques known in the art.

As shown in FIG. 10C, osteotome 200 is further advanced into bore 86until the one or more drainage slots 250 come into fluid communicationwith cavity 90. As shown in FIG. 10D, solid-liquid composition 39 isinjected into cavity 90, such as described above. For some applications,the drained physiological liquid solution may be suctioned using aconventional dental suction tool, or sealing element 254 may providedwith a collecting chamber that is coupled to suction. Typically, afterinjecting the solid-liquid composition, an implant is implanted at leastpartially within cavity (step not shown).

Although the surgical tools and methods described herein have beengenerally described for sinus lift dental applications, these tools andmethods may additionally be used for other dental applications, such asridge augmentation (in both the maxilla and mandible) (such as byinjecting the solid-liquid composition between the gingiva and the bonecrest), or sinus floor elevation. In addition, these tools and methodsmay additionally be used for non-dental applications, such as orthopedicapplications. For orthopedic applications, bone graft particles 34 mayhave a larger average particle size, e.g., up to 7 mm.

Reference is now made to FIG. 11, which is a schematic illustration ofone use of surgical tool 20 for ridge augmentation, in accordance withan application of the present invention. In this application, surgicaltool 20, described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1-5B and 8A-K, isused to perform ridge augmentation of a jaw bone 290 (either a mandibleor a maxilla). For some applications, gingiva 292 is dissected from jawbone 290, such as by tunneling, as is known in the art. Optionally, astructural support 294 is placed under gingiva 292; for example,structural support 294 may comprise a mesh, reinforced membrane, and/orstent. Bone graft injector unit 32 of surgical tool 20 is used to injectsolid-liquid composition 39 between jaw bone 290 and gingiva 292, orbetween jaw bone 290 and structural support 294. Alternatively, surgicaltool 120, described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 6A-B, 7, and8A-K, is used to perform this procedure.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 12A-B, which are schematic illustrationsof one use of surgical tool 20 for performing a minimally-invasivespinal interbody fusion, in accordance with an application of thepresent invention. The approach to the spine (anterior, posterior, orlateral) depends on the site (e.g., lumbar, cervical, or thoracicspine). Typically, an inner vertebral disc is removed or partiallyremoved and replaced with a structural support 296, such as a rigidcage. Bone graft injector unit 32 of surgical tool 20, describedhereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1-5B and 8A-K, is used to injectsolid-liquid composition 39 into structural support 296. Optionally,external fixation is also performed to fixate the adjacent vertebrae, asis known in the art, such as shown in FIG. 12B. For this application,shaft unit 40 is generally coaxial with the body of bone graft injectorunit 32, i.e., faces forward rather than sideways; shaft unit 40 mayalso be somewhat longer than in the configurations shown in FIGS. 1-5B.Alternatively, surgical tool 120, described hereinabove with referenceto FIGS. 6A-B, 7, and 8A-K, is used to perform this procedure, mutatismutandis.

Reference is now made to FIG. 13, which is a schematic illustration ofone use of surgical tool 20 for filling a bone defect, in accordancewith an application of the present invention. In this application,surgical tool 20, described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1-5B and8A-K, is used to fill a defect 500 in a bone 510. This technique may beused for orthopedic procedures, as well as for dental procedures. Forsome applications, a structural element 520, such as a crib, is placedover defect 500 in order to define a volume to be filled. Bone graftinjector unit 32 of surgical tool 20 is used to inject solid-liquidcomposition 39 into the volume defined by structural element 520. Asdescribed hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 12A-B, for thisapplication, shaft unit 40 is generally coaxially with the body of bonegraft injector unit 32, and be longer than in the configurations shownin FIGS. 1-5B. Alternatively, surgical tool 120, described hereinabovewith reference to FIGS. 6A-B, 7, and 8A-K, is used to perform thisprocedure, mutatis mutandis.

Reference is made to FIG. 14, which is a schematic illustration of abone graft injection system 320 for the insertion of solid particles,typically solid bone graft particles 334, into a cavity, in accordancewith an application of the present invention. For example, the cavitymay be cavity 90, shown in FIGS. 18A-D and 21. Reference is also made toFIG. 15, which is a diagram illustrating the schematic arrangement ofcertain elements of bone graft injection system 320, in accordance withan application of the present invention. Bone graft injection system 320is for use with a liquid solution container 366 containing aphysiological liquid solution 336, such as saline solution. Bone graftinjection system 320 comprises a composition delivery source 300 and apump unit 301. Typically, composition delivery source 300 is single-useand disposable, while pump unit 301 is reused many times. For someapplications, the components of composition delivery source 300 areprovided as a preassembled unit, while for other applications, one ormore of the components are provided disconnected from one another andare assembled by a healthcare worker, for example, based on shape- orcolor-coding of the components.

Reference is still made to FIGS. 14 and 15, and is additionally made toFIG. 16A, which is a schematic illustration of a portion of compositiondelivery source 300, in accordance with an application of the presentinvention. Composition delivery source 300 comprises a chamber 302,which comprises a filter 304. Filter 304 is disposed within chamber 302so as to divide chamber 302 into a liquid compartment 306 and asolid-liquid composition compartment 308. Chamber 302 is shaped so as todefine (a) one or more (e.g., exactly one) liquid ports 310 in fluidcommunication with liquid compartment 306, and (B) one or more (e.g.,exactly one) solid-liquid composition ports 312 in fluid communicationwith solid-liquid composition compartment 308.

Composition delivery source 300 further comprises:

-   -   a solid-liquid composition delivery tube 314, which is in fluid        communication with at least one of the one or more solid-liquid        composition ports 312;    -   a mixing tube 316, which is in fluid communication with at least        one of the one or more liquid ports 310 and at least one of the        one or more solid-liquid composition ports 312; and    -   a liquid-supply tube 318, which is in fluid communication with        at least one of the one or more liquid ports 310, and is coupled        in fluid communication with an interior of liquid solution        container 366.

Pump unit 301 comprises:

-   -   a mixing pump 322, which is arranged to cause flow in mixing        tube 316, typically unidirectionally; and    -   a liquid-supply pump 324, which is arranged to cause flow in        liquid-supply tube 318, typically oscillating (bidirectional)        flow.

It is noted that mixing tube 316 is considered to be in fluidcommunication with the at least one of the one or more liquid ports 310and the at least one of the one or more solid-liquid composition polls312 even though mixing tube 316 is intermittently not in such fluidcommunication because of the operation of liquid-supply pump 324, asdescribed hereinbelow. Similarly, it is noted that liquid-supply tube318 is considered to be in fluid communication with the at least one ofthe one or more liquid ports 310 and to be coupled in fluidcommunication with the interior of liquid solution container 366 eventhough liquid-supply tube 318 is intermittently not in such fluidcommunication because of the operation of mixing pump 322, as describedhereinbelow.

For some applications, each of the tubes comprises one or more tubesegments that are coupled together to form the complete tube, such asfor applications in which the pumps do not comprise peristaltic pumpsand respective tube segments are coupled to an inlet and an outlet of apump.

For some applications, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, mixing tube 316 (a)merges with liquid-supply tube 318 at an exit junction 326, and (b) isin fluid communication with the at least one of the one or more liquidports 310 via a portion of liquid-supply tube 318. For otherapplications, liquid-supply tube 318 (a) merges with mixing tube 316 atan exit junction, and (b) is in fluid communication with the at leastone of the one or more liquid ports 310 via a portion of mixing tube 316(not shown, but functionally equivalent to the above-mentioned shownconfiguration).

For some applications, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16A, mixing tube 316 (a)merges with solid-liquid composition delivery tube 314 at a returnjunction 328, and (b) is in fluid communication with the at least one ofthe one or more solid-liquid composition ports 312 via a portion ofsolid-liquid composition delivery tube 314. This merging may help freeany solid bone graft particles 334 that may become lodged in the one ormore solid-liquid composition ports 312, because the flow into the oneor more solid-liquid composition ports 312 is via the portion ofsolid-liquid composition delivery tube 314 in the opposite direction offlow during delivery of solid-liquid composition 339 inparticle-delivery activation state 344 as described hereinbelow withreference to FIGS. 17 and 18A-D.

For some applications, a proximal end 330 of solid-liquid compositiondelivery tube 314 is in fluid communication with the at least one of theone or more solid-liquid composition ports 312, and a distance D1(labeled in FIG. 16A) between return junction 328 and proximal end 330of solid-liquid composition delivery tube 314 is less than 60 mm, suchas less than 20 mm. Disposing return junction 328 so close to proximalend 330 of solid-liquid composition delivery tube 314 reduces the amountof solid bone graft particles 334 pumped back from solid-liquidcomposition delivery tube 314 to solid-liquid composition compartment308. For other applications, mixing tube 316 is in fluid communicationwith the at least one of the one or more solid-liquid composition ports312 not via a portion of solid-liquid composition delivery tube 314. Forsome applications, an inner diameter of solid-liquid compositiondelivery tube 314 is at least 1.4 mm, no more than 1.8 mm, and/orbetween 1.4 and 1.8 mm. For some applications, solid-liquid compositiondelivery tube 314 is in fluid communication with exactly one of the oneor more solid-liquid composition ports 312, and the exactly one port hasa diameter of between 0.1 and 0.3 mm less than the inner diameter ofsolid-liquid composition delivery tube 314.

For some applications, an internal cross-sectional area of solid-liquidcomposition delivery tube 314 perpendicular to an axis of solid-liquidcomposition delivery tube 314 is non-decreasing from return junction 328to a distal end of solid-liquid composition delivery tube 314.Typically, solid-liquid composition 339 (described hereinbelow withreference to FIG. 17) does not flow along a converging flow path as itapproaches the one or more solid-liquid composition ports 312 fromsolid-liquid composition compartment 308.

Reference is still made to FIG. 16A. For some applications, when chamber302 is oriented upright in the operational position shown in FIG. 16A,return junction 328 is disposed on an upper side of the solid-liquidcomposition delivery tube 314. In other words, for some applications,return junction 328 is disposed along a longitudinal portion 327 ofsolid-liquid composition delivery tube 314 and around a circumferentialportion 329 of solid-liquid composition delivery tube 314, andlongitudinal portion 327 includes a point 331 that is closest to cap 374when cap 374 is coupled to receptacle component 370 (as describedhereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 20A-B). Circumferential portion 329includes point 331. This arrangement may reduce bone graft clogging,because solid bone graft particles 334, because of gravity, are lesslikely to flow upward back into mixing tube 316 toward mixing pump 322.

Reference is still made to FIG. 16A, and is additionally made to FIG.16B, which is a schematic illustration of another configuration of aportion of composition delivery source 300, in accordance with anapplication of the present invention. For some applications, bone graftinjection system 320 further comprises a shaft unit 340, which comprisesa shaft delivery tube 380 in fluid communication with a distal end 382of solid-liquid composition delivery tube 314. For some applications,shaft unit 340 is more rigid than at least a portion of solid-liquidcomposition delivery tube 314 (all or a portion of solid-liquidcomposition delivery tube 314 may be flexible). Shaft delivery tube 380is further shaped so as to define a distal opening 383, which istypically disposed within 10 mm of a distal end 388 of shaft deliverytube 380, such as within 5 mm of distal end 388, in fluid communicationwith shaft delivery tube 380. For example, distal opening 383 may bedisposed at distal end 388, as shown in FIG. 16A. Alternatively, forsome applications, such as shown in FIG. 16B, shaft delivery tube 380further comprises a cap 389 disposed distal to distal opening 383; forthese applications, distal opening 383 is typically disposed within 10mm, e.g., within 5 mm, of distal end 388 of shaft delivery tube 380(distal end 388 of shaft delivery tube 380 is defined by a distal-mostpoint of cap 389).

For some applications, shaft unit 340 further comprises a removabledepth limiting element 384, which is configured to limit a depth ofinsertion of shaft delivery tube 380 into a bore through a bone whenshaft delivery tube 380 is inserted into the bore, such as describedhereinbelow with reference to FIG. 21. For some applications, depthlimiting element 384 has a length, measured alongside shaft deliverytube 380, of at least 6 mm, no more than 16 mm, and/or between 6 and 16mm, such as at least 8 mm, no more than 12 mm, and/or between 8 and 12mm. For some applications, bone graft injection system 320 furthercomprises a soft bite surface 381, which is configured to provide a softsurface for the teeth to bite onto during a bone graft injectionprocedure. Typically, soft bite surface 381 faces in generally the samedirection that shaft delivery tube 380 points.

For some applications, shaft delivery tube 380 further comprises asealing element 386 disposed around an external surface of shaftdelivery tube 380, and configured to form a liquid-tight seal with (a) achannel of a screw, such as such as described hereinbelow with referenceto FIG. 21, or (b) tissue around and outside the bore through the bonewhen shaft delivery tube 380 is inserted into the bore. Typically, depthlimiting element 384 is removable from shaft unit 340 without removal ofshaft unit 340 from sealing element 386. For some applications, distalend 388 of shaft delivery tube 380 is disposed more distally thansealing element 386 by a distance D2 of between 0 and 20 mm, e.g.,between 3 and 15 mm.

Reference is still made to FIG. 16A. For some applications, shaftdelivery tube 380 is straight (as shown in the figures). For someapplications, when chamber 302, solid-liquid composition delivery tube314, and shaft unit 340 are unconstrained, (a) a central longitudinalaxis 390 of shaft delivery tube 380 and (b) a central longitudinal axis392 of a proximal longitudinal portion 394 of solid-liquid compositiondelivery tube 314 form an angle α (alpha) of between 70 and 110 degrees,such as between 85 and 95 degrees, e.g., 90 degrees. Typically, proximallongitudinal portion 394 of solid-liquid composition delivery tube 314includes proximal end 330 of solid-liquid composition delivery tube 314.Alternatively or additionally, for some applications, when chamber 302,solid-liquid composition delivery tube 314, and shaft unit 340 areunconstrained, central longitudinal axis 390 of shaft delivery tube 380and a plane 396 defined by filter 304 form an angle β (beta) of between70 and 110 degrees, such as between 85 and 95 degrees, e.g., 90 degrees.Further alternatively or additionally, for some applications, whenchamber 302 and solid-liquid composition delivery tube 314 areunconstrained, (a) central longitudinal axes 392 of proximallongitudinal portion 394 of solid-liquid composition delivery tube 314and (b) plane 396 defined by filter 304 are parallel or form an angle ofless than 20 degrees, e.g., less than 5 degrees. Typically, proximallongitudinal portion 394 of solid-liquid composition delivery tube 314includes proximal end 330 of solid-liquid composition delivery tube 314.

Reference is still made to FIG. 16A. For some applications, a closestdistance D3 between the one or more solid-liquid composition ports 312and filter 304 equals at least 5 mm, such as at least 10 mm, and/or isless than 50 mm. Alternatively or additionally, for some applications,the closest distance D3 between the one or more solid-liquid compositionports 312 and filter 304 equals at least 75% of a distance D4 betweenfilter 304 and a point 398 on an interior of a wall of solid-liquidcomposition compartment 308 farthest from filter 304. These closestdistances provide space for raising solid bone graft particles 334 in apuff 399 into physiological liquid solution 336, as describedhereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18B. Typically, the one ormore solid-liquid composition ports 312 are located through a side wallof solid-liquid composition compartment 308 (rather than a bottom wallof the solid-liquid composition compartment), to prevent clogging of theone or more solid-liquid composition ports 312 as the solid bone graftparticles 334 settle after being raised.

For some applications, pump unit 301 further comprises control circuitry332. Typically, pump unit 301 further comprises a power supply,electronics, a user interface 335 for controlling bone graft injectionsystem 320, and/or a foot control 333 for controlling pump unit 301. Forother applications, pump unit 301 does not necessarily comprise anycircuitry, and the rotation and relative timing of rotation of the pumpsare achieved mechanically (i.e., non-electronically), e.g., byconnecting both pumps to a common axle.

Reference is now made to FIG. 17, which is a timeline schematicallyshowing activation states of control circuitry 332, in accordance withan application of the present invention. Reference is also made to FIGS.18A-D, which are schematic illustrations of the activation states ofcontrol circuitry 332, in accordance with an application of the presentinvention.

In some applications of the present application, bone graft injectionsystem 320 is configured to repeatedly (a) mix solid bone graftparticles 334 and physiological liquid solution 336 in solid-liquidcomposition compartment 308 to form a solid-liquid composition 339 and(b) pump solid-liquid composition 339 into cavity 90 under a membrane,such as a Schneiderian membrane 88. For some applications, in order toperform the mixing, bone graft injection system 320 pumps filteredliquid from liquid compartment 306 into the bottom of solid-liquidcomposition compartment 308, which raises solid bone graft particles 334in a puff 399 into physiological liquid solution 336 higher insolid-liquid composition compartment 308. Because volume in chamber 302is conserved as fluid is pumped out of liquid compartment 306, thepumped fluid reenters chamber 302 (rather than entering the portion ofsolid-liquid composition delivery tube 314 beyond return junction 328 inthe opposite direction of chamber 302 (to the right in FIGS. 15 and16A)).

Typically, this mixing is repeated periodically, because solid bonegraft particles 334 very quickly settle and separate from physiologicalliquid solution 336 (generally nearly all of the particles settle within500 ms). Typically, the immediately following particle-deliveryactivation state 344 occurs (a) before most of solid bone graftparticles 334 settle and separate from physiological liquid solution 336and/or (b) even after solid bone graft particles 334 have settled (inwhich case typically the solid bone graft particles 334 that settlednear the one or more solid-liquid composition ports 312, and/or bonegraft particles puffed by the pulsating transfer itself).

FIG. 18A shows solid bone graft particles 334 settled at the bottom ofsolid-liquid composition compartment 308 before being mixed. This stateoccurs at the beginning of a bone graft injection performed with bonegraft injection system 320, and occurs, at least approximately, near(e.g., slightly before, at, or slightly after) the end of eachparticle-delivery activation state 344, which is described below.

For some applications, in order to perform the mixing and pumpingdescribed immediately above, control circuitry 332 is configured torepeatedly (typically, in a plurality of cycles):

-   -   assume a mixing activation state 342, as shown in FIG. 18B, in        which control circuitry 332 activates mixing pump 322 to mix        solid bone graft particles 334 and physiological liquid solution        336 in solid-liquid composition compartment 308 to form        solid-liquid composition 339, by pumping physiological liquid        solution 336 through mixing tube 316 and into solid-liquid        composition compartment 308 (typically, the pumped physiological        liquid solution was already disposed in mixing tube 316, and        originated from liquid compartment 306 via the one or more        liquid ports 310), and    -   assume a particle-delivery activation state 344, as shown in        FIGS. 18C and 18D; control circuitry 332, during at least a        portion of particle-delivery activation state 344 (e.g., during        positive particle-delivery activation sub-state 350, shown in        FIG. 18D, and described hereinbelow), activates liquid-supply        pump 324 to apply positive pressure to pump solid-liquid        composition 339 from solid-liquid composition compartment 308        into solid-liquid composition delivery tube 314.

Typically, in order to perform the mixing during mixing activation state342, the physiological liquid solution pumped into solid-liquidcomposition compartment 308 raises solid bone graft particles 334 in apuff 399 into physiological liquid solution 336 in the compartment.

As mentioned above, control circuitry 332 is typically configured torepeatedly, in a plurality of cycles, assume mixing activation state 342and particle-delivery activation state 344. For some applications,control circuitry 332 is configured to repeatedly assume mixingactivation state 342 and particle-delivery activation state 344 over aperiod time period having a duration of at least 30 second, no more than600 seconds, and/or between 30 and 600 seconds.

For some applications, control circuitry 332 is configured to assumemixing activation state 342 and particle-delivery activation state 344at non-overlapping times, such as illustrated in FIG. 17. For someapplications, control circuitry 332 is configured to assumeparticle-delivery activation state 344 within 500 ms after completingmixing activation state 342, such as within 100 ms after completingmixing activation state 342, e.g., immediately after completing mixingactivation state 342, as shown in FIG. 17.

For some applications, control circuitry 332 is configured torepeatedly, in alternation, (a) assume mixing activation state 342 forbetween 100 and 1200 ms, such as between 200 and 800 ms, e.g., 400 ms,and (b) assume particle-delivery activation state 344. For someapplications, control circuitry 332 is configured to repeatedly, inalternation, (a) assume mixing activation state 342 for between 100 and1200 ms, and (b) assume particle-delivery activation state 344 forbetween 150 and 3000 ms, such as between 1000 and 2000 ms, e.g., 1400ms.

Typically, control circuitry 332 is configured to, when inparticle-delivery activation state 344, activate liquid-supply pump 324to apply the positive pressure to pump physiological liquid solution 336(a) from liquid solution container 366, (b) through liquid-supply tube318, (c) into liquid compartment 306, (d) through filter 304, (e) intosolid-liquid composition compartment 308, (f) from solid-liquidcomposition compartment 308, and (g) to solid-liquid compositiondelivery tube 314.

In some applications of the present invention, control circuitry 332 isconfigured, during each of one or more negative-positive particledelivery cycles 346 of particle-delivery activation state 344, toassume:

-   -   a negative particle-delivery activation sub-state 348, as shown        in FIG. 18C, in which control circuitry 332 activates        liquid-supply pump 324 to apply negative pressure to pump liquid        from solid-liquid composition delivery tube 314 toward liquid        compartment 306 via solid-liquid composition compartment 308,        and    -   a positive particle-delivery activation sub-state 350, as shown        in FIG. 18D, in which control circuitry 332 activates        liquid-supply pump 324 to apply the positive pressure to pump        solid-liquid composition 339 from solid-liquid composition        compartment 308 into solid-liquid composition delivery tube 314;        a direction of pumping of liquid-supply pump 324 in positive        particle-delivery activation sub-state 350 is opposite a        direction of pumping of liquid-supply pump 324 in negative        particle-delivery activation sub-state 348.

In other words, control circuitry 332 is configured to causeliquid-supply pump 324 to oscillate during each of one or morenegative-positive particle delivery cycles 346.

During positive particle-delivery activation sub-state 350, solid-liquidcomposition 339 is injected into cavity 90. Solid bone graft particles334 of solid-liquid composition 339 typically quickly settle toward thebottom of cavity 90 (generally within 100 ms). As a result,physiological liquid solution 336, substantially without solid bonegraft particles 334, remains near distal opening 383 of shaft deliverytube 380. During the immediately following negative particle-deliveryactivation sub-state 348, mostly this physiological liquid solution 336remaining near distal opening 383, rather than the settled solid bonegraft particles 334, is pumped back into solid-liquid compositiondelivery tube 314. This non-return of solid bone graft particles 334 maybe aided by positioning distal opening 383 near the roof of cavity 90,as described hereinbelow with reference to blow-up C of FIG. 21. Thuseach positive-negative cycle results in a net delivery of solid bonegraft particles 334 to cavity 90.

For some applications, at least a portion of solid-liquid composition339 that is pumped out of chamber 302 in a given positiveparticle-delivery activation sub-state 350 exits distal opening 383 intocavity 90 before the completion of the given positive particle-deliveryactivation sub-state 350, such as at least 50%, e.g., at least 80%, suchas 100%. For some applications, control circuitry 332 is configured topump, throughout positive particle-delivery activation sub-state 350, avolume of solid-liquid composition 339 that is greater than a combinedvolume of solid-liquid composition delivery tube 314 and shaft deliverytube 380, such as equal to at least 100% of the combined volume, and/orless than 700% of the combined volume.

For some applications, control circuitry 332 is configured to assumeparticle-delivery activation state 344 in a plurality ofparticle-delivery-state cycles, and to begin particle-deliveryactivation state 344 in each of the particle-delivery-state cycles withnegative particle-delivery activation sub-state 348. Beginning with thenegative particle-delivery activation sub-state 348 reduces the risk ofaccidentally overfilling cavity 90 with solid-liquid composition 339,which might burst Schneiderian membrane 88.

For some applications, as mentioned above, control circuitry 332 isconfigured to assume mixing activation state 342 and particle-deliveryactivation state 344 at non-overlapping times.

For some applications, control circuitry 332 is configured to provide aplurality of the negative-positive particle delivery cycles 346 duringparticle-delivery activation state 344. For some applications, controlcircuitry 332 is configured to provide up to 10 of the negative-positiveparticle delivery cycles 346 during particle-delivery activation state344, such as between 3 and 6 cycles 346, e.g., 4 cycles 346.

For some applications, control circuitry 332 is configured to assumenegative particle-delivery activation sub-state 348 for between 25 and300 ms, such as between 100 and 200 ms, e.g., 175 ms, during each of theone or more negative-positive particle delivery cycles 346. For someapplications, control circuitry 332 is configured to assume negativeparticle-delivery activation sub-state 348 for between 25 and 100 msduring each of the one or more negative-positive particle deliverycycles 346

For some applications, control circuitry 332 is configured to assumepositive particle-delivery activation sub-state 350 for between 25 and300 ms, such as between 100 and 200 ms, e.g., 175 ms, during each of theone or more negative-positive particle delivery cycles 346. For someapplications, control circuitry 332 is configured to assume positiveparticle-delivery activation sub-state 350 for between 25 and 100 msduring each of the one or more negative-positive particle deliverycycles 346.

For some applications, control circuitry 332 is configured to assumenegative particle-delivery activation sub-state 348 for between 25 and300 ms during each of the one or more negative-positive particledelivery cycles 346, and to assume positive particle-delivery activationsub-state 350 for between 25 and 300 ms during each of the one or morenegative-positive particle delivery cycles 346.

For some applications, control circuitry 332 is configured to assumenegative particle-delivery activation sub-state 348 for a first durationduring each of the one or more negative-positive particle deliverycycles 346, and to assume positive particle-delivery activationsub-state 350 for a second duration during each of the one or morenegative-positive particle delivery cycles 346, the second durationequal to between 80% and 120% of the first duration, such as between 90%and 110% of the first duration.

For some applications, control circuitry 332 is configured to, when innegative particle-delivery activation sub-state 348, activateliquid-supply pump 324 to pump the liquid from solid-liquid compositiondelivery tube 314, into solid-liquid composition compartment 308, andinto liquid compartment 306.

Reference is made to FIG. 19, which is a schematic illustration ofconfigurations of mixing pump 322 and liquid-supply pump 324, inaccordance with an application of the present invention. In theseconfigurations, mixing pump 322 is a mixing peristaltic pump 352A, andliquid-supply pump 324 is a liquid-supply peristaltic pump 352B.Peristaltic pumps 352A and 352B comprise (a) respective rotors 354A and354B, (b) respective motors, and, for some applications, (c) respectiveindex sensors 356A and 356B, which identify respective rotationalpositions of rotors 354A and 354B. Mixing peristaltic pump 352Acomprises one or more rollers 358A (typically, three or more rollers358A, such as exactly three rollers 358A), and liquid-supply peristalticpump 352B comprises one or more rollers 358B (typically, two or morerollers 358, such as three or more rollers 358B, such as exactly threerollers 358B). For some applications, the index sensors comprise opticalsensors; for example, the rollers may comprise visible flags that serveas indices, and the optical sensors may image the flags to ascertain therotational positions of the rollers and thus the rotors. Alternatively,for some applications, the index sensors comprise position (rotation)sensors. FIG. 19 shows mixing and liquid-supply peristaltic pumps 352Aand 352B in exemplary respective starting rotational positions withinrespective rotational cycles.

Mixing peristaltic pump 352A comprises a pump casing 360A that is shapedso as to define a partial-circle mixing tube channel 362A in which aportion of mixing tube 316 is disposed. Similarly, liquid-supplyperistaltic pump 352B comprises a pump casing 360B that is shaped so asto define a partial-circle liquid-supply tube channel 362B in which aportion of liquid-supply tube 318 is disposed. For some applications,the portions of the tubes disposed in the partial-circle liquid-supplytube channels comprise silicone, which may be more flexible than thematerial that other portions of the tubes comprise. Alternatively oradditionally, for some applications, the portions of the tubes disposedin the partial-circle liquid-supply tube channels may have largerdiameters than the diameters of the other portions of the tubes. Theselarger diameters may increase the pumping rate. The smaller diameters ofthe other portions of the tubes may reduce the total volume of fluid inthe system, which may reduce the volume of fluid needed to operate thesystem. Typically, mixing peristaltic pump 352A rotatesunidirectionally, e.g., clockwise in FIG. 19.

For some applications, mixing peristaltic pump 352A and the portion ofmixing tube 316 disposed within mixing tube channel 362A are configuredsuch that mixing peristaltic pump 352A pumps at least 2 cc, no more than4 cc, and/or between 2 and 4 cc of fluid per full revolution, such as2.7 cc. For some of these applications, the portion of mixing tube 316disposed within mixing tube channel 362A has an inner diameter of atleast 3.2 mm, no more than 9.6 mm, and/or between 3.2 and 9.6 mm, e.g.,6.4 mm.

For some applications, liquid-supply peristaltic pump 352B and theportion of liquid-supply tube 318 disposed within liquid-supply tubechannel 362B are configured such that liquid-supply peristaltic pump352B pumps at least 2 cc, no more than 4 cc, and/or between 2 and 4 ccof fluid per full revolution, such as 2.7 cc. For some of theseapplications, the portion of liquid-supply tube 318 disposed withinliquid-supply tube channel 362B has an inner diameter of at least 3.2mm, no more than 9.6 mm, and/or between 3.2 and 9.6 mm, e.g., 6.4 mm.

When a roller 358 is fully engaged and closes off a tube, the rollerpushes a certain amount of liquid as it rotates. As the leading rollerbegins to disengage from the tube, the next roller behind the leadingroller continues the pushing. However, since the leading roller isdisengaging from the tube, the leading roller allows the tube to open upand hold a larger volume of liquid. This absorption of liquid not pushedout of the pump reduces flow. There are no voids anywhere in the tube. Areverse effect occurs as the next roller begins engaging the tube.Maximum flow is achieved during the period in which the leading rolleris fully engaged with tube. This is the range in which the oscillatingliquid-supply peristaltic pump 352B works. In a closed system, such asdescribed herein, the amount of liquid in the pillows in liquid-supplyperistaltic pump 352B is minimal when the most rollers are engaged withthe tube. If exactly three rollers are provided, this minimum occurs,for example, when two of the rollers are symmetrically located at 10o'clock and 2 o'clock. For some applications, this is the startingrotational position of mixing pump peristaltic pump 352A, since maximumliquid is in cavity 90 under Schneiderian membrane 88.

Liquid-supply peristaltic pump 352B is capable of (a) pumping fluid atan average rate throughout a full 360-degree revolution of rotor 354B ata certain speed, and (b) pumping fluid at a maximum rate during portionsof the full 360-degree revolution at the certain speed. The maximum rateis greater than the average rate. For some applications, controlcircuitry 332 is configured, when in both positive and negativeparticle-delivery activation sub-states 350 and 348, to activateliquid-supply peristaltic pump 352B to (a) rotate rotor 354B, at thecertain speed, a partial revolution equal to a fraction of the full360-degree revolution of rotor 354B, the fraction less than 1, and (b)pump, throughout the partial revolution, the fluid at the maximum rate.

For some applications, control circuitry 332 is configured:

-   -   when in positive particle-delivery activation sub-state 350, to        activate liquid-supply peristaltic pump 352B to rotate the rotor        354B, in a first rotational direction RD₁ (e.g., clockwise in        FIG. 19), a first partial revolution equal to a fraction of a        full 360-degree revolution of the rotor 354B, the fraction less        than 1, and    -   when in negative particle-delivery activation sub-state 348, to        activate liquid-supply peristaltic pump 352B to rotate rotor        354B, in a second rotational direction RD₂ (e.g.,        counterclockwise in FIG. 19) opposite the first rotational        direction RD₁, a second partial revolution equal to the fraction        of the full 360-degree revolution of the rotor.

This technique for rotating rotor 354B results in liquid-supplyperistaltic pump 352B producing a net output of zero, while maximizingboth the positive and negative flow, because one of rollers 358B isalways squeezing, and thus occluding, liquid-supply tube 318 (and thuspumping).

For some applications, control circuitry 332 is configured, throughoutpositive particle-delivery activation sub-state 350, to activateliquid-supply peristaltic pump 352B to:

-   -   rotate rotor 354B a partial revolution equal to a fraction of a        full 360-degree revolution of rotor 354B, the fraction less than        the quotient of 1 divided by the total number of rollers 358B,        or, for example, less than or equal to the quotient of 0.5        divided by the total number of rollers 358B (for example, in        FIG. 19, the fraction is indicated by arrow RD₁ and equals ⅙,        which is the quotient of 0.5 divided by 3), and    -   pump, throughout the partial revolution, a volume of fluid that        is greater than the product of the fraction and a volume of        fluid pumpable throughout the full 360-degree revolution of the        rotor.        For some applications, in order to achieve this volume of fluid        pumping, control circuitry 332 is configured to rotationally        position rotor 354B such that a lead one of rollers 358B is        rotationally aligned with (fully squeezing) mixing tube channel        362A (and is thus operative) throughout positive        particle-delivery activation sub-state 350 (the lead roller is        the forward-most roller rotationally aligned with partial-circle        mixing tube channel 362A; one or more additional rollers may        also be rotationally aligned with the tube channel, trailing the        lead roller). For example, if the upstream entrance to mixing        tube channel 362A is disposed at 9 o'clock and the downstream        exit of mixing tube channel 362A is disposed at 3 o'clock (as        shown in FIG. 19), the exactly one of rollers 358B may operate        between 11 o'clock and 1 o'clock throughout positive        particle-delivery activation sub-state 350.

As used in the present application, including in the claims,“throughout” a time period (e.g., a particular state or sub-state) meansfrom the beginning to the end of the time period (e.g., an occurrence ofthe state or sub-state). As mentioned above, each of the states andsub-states typically occur a plurality of non-contiguous times duringoperation of bone graft injection system 320.

For some applications, mixing peristaltic pump 352A comprises a totalnumber of rollers 358A equal to at least two, and control circuitry 332is configured to assume mixing activation state 342 a plurality of timesin alternation with particle-delivery activation states 344, and tobegin mixing activation states 342 with rotor 354A at respectivestarting rotational positions, which are identical to one another orrotationally offset from one another by the product of (a) 360 degreesdivided by the total number of rollers 358A and (b) a positive integer(i.e., 1 or greater). For example, for configurations in which mixingperistaltic pump 352A comprises exactly three rollers 358A, such asshown in FIG. 19, there are three starting rotational positions whichresult in the same flow rate over the same partial rotational cycle.

For some applications, mixing peristaltic pump 352A comprises an oddtotal number of rollers 358A, the odd total number equal to at least one(e.g., at least three), and control circuitry 332 is configured toassume mixing activation state 342 a plurality of times in alternationwith particle-delivery activation states 344, and to begin each ofmixing activation states 342 with an aligned total number of rollers358A rotationally aligned with mixing tube channel 362A, the alignedtotal number equal to more than half of the odd total number. (Thus, inthe case in which mixing peristaltic pump 352A comprises exactly threerollers 358A, as shown in FIG. 19, control circuitry 332 is configuredto begin each of mixing activation states 342 with two of rollers 358Arotationally aligned with mixing tube channel 362A, i.e., the alignedtotal number equals 2, which is more than half of the odd total number(1.5).) As a result of this configuration, each of mixing activationstates 342 begins with a minimum volume of liquid held within theportion of mixing tube 316 in mixing tube channel 362A. As a result, anyrotation of rotor 354A will draw liquid from the system and thereforewill, if anything, reduce the volume of liquid in cavity 90 underSchneiderian membrane 88, thereby avoiding accidental overfilling ofcavity 90 and bursting of Schneiderian membrane 88. In addition, cavity90 returns to its full and maximum-filled state at end of each of themixing activation states 342. As a result, mixing peristaltic pump 352Ahas full control of the maximum volume and variation in volume in cavity90. Typically, the mixing activation state always begins when the volumecavity 90 is at a maximum, in order to avoid overfilling the cavity andbursting Schneiderian membrane 88.

For some applications, control circuitry 332 is configured, when inmixing activation state 342, to rotate mixing peristaltic pump 352Abetween ⅓ and 3 revolutions, such as one revolution, such as forapplications in which mixing peristaltic pump 352A comprises exactlythree rollers 358A. More generally, for some applications, controlcircuitry 332 is configured, when in mixing activation state 342, torotate mixing peristaltic pump 352A between (a) a number of revolutionsand (b) 3 revolutions, the number of revolutions equal to the quotientof 1 divided by the number of rollers 358A. For some applications,control circuitry 332 is configured, when in mixing activation state342, to rotate mixing peristaltic pump 352A at a rate of at least 50 rpm(revolutions per minute), no more than 600 rpm, and/or between 50 and600 rpm, e.g., 150 rpm. This rapid rotation helps generate the puff 399described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 17.

For some applications, control circuitry 332 is configured:

-   -   when in positive particle-delivery activation sub-state 350, to        activate liquid-supply pump 324 to pump a volume of between 0.1        and 2 cc of fluid (e.g., between 0.2 and 0.9 cc, such as between        0.3 and 0.6 cc), and    -   when in negative particle-delivery activation sub-state 348, to        activate liquid-supply pump 324 to pump the volume of fluid.

Alternatively or additionally, for some applications, control circuitry332 and mixing pump 322 are configured such that throughout mixingactivation state 342 (i.e., during each occurrence of mixing activationstate 342 in configurations in which mixing activation state 342 occursmore than once in alternation with particle-delivery activation state344), pump 322 pumps between 0.5 and 9 cc of physiological liquidsolution 336, such as between 1.8 and 3.9 cc of physiological liquidsolution 336.

For some applications, control circuitry 332 is configured to assumeparticle-delivery activation state 344 a plurality of times inalternation with mixing activation states 342, and to begin each ofparticle-delivery activation states 344 with rotor 354B at a samerotational position.

For some applications, control circuitry 332 and liquid-supply pump 324are configured such that during at least a portion of positiveparticle-delivery activation sub-state 350, liquid-supply pump 324 pumpsphysiological liquid solution 336 at a rate of at least 3 cc/sec, suchas at least 7 cc/sec. Alternatively or additionally, for someapplications, control circuitry 332 and liquid-supply pump 324 areconfigured such that during at least a portion of the negativeparticle-delivery activation sub-state 348, liquid-supply pump 324 pumpsphysiological liquid solution 336 at a rate of at least 3 cc/sec, suchas at least 7 cc/sec. Further alternatively or additionally, for someapplications, control circuitry 332 and mixing pump 322 are configuredsuch that during at least a portion of mixing activation state 342mixing pump 322 pumps physiological liquid solution 336 at a rate of atleast 3 cc/sec, such as at least 7 cc/sec.

For some applications, control circuitry 332 is configured to, beforerepeatedly assuming mixing and particle-delivery activation states 342and 344, assume a filling state, in which control circuitry 332activates liquid-supply pump 324 to apply positive pressure to pump avolume of physiological liquid solution 336 from solid-liquidcomposition compartment 308 into solid-liquid composition delivery tube314, the volume equal to between 0.5 and 3 cc.

For some applications, control circuitry 332 is configured to assumemixing activation slate 342 and particle-delivery activation state 344at partially-overlapping times. For some of these applications, controlcircuitry 332 is configured to assume negative particle-deliveryactivation sub-state 348 and particle-delivery activation state 344 atpartially-overlapping times. For example, control circuitry 332 may beconfigured to:

-   -   begin negative particle-delivery activation sub-state 348 toward        the end of mixing activation state 342 (e.g., within the last        30% of mixing activation state 342),    -   complete negative particle-delivery activation sub-state 348        either simultaneously with the completion of mixing activation        state 342, or after the completion of mixing activation state        342, and    -   begin positive particle-delivery activation sub-state 350 upon        the completion of negative particle-delivery activation        sub-state 348, typically immediately upon the completion of        negative particle-delivery activation sub-state 348.

For some applications, control circuitry 332 is configured to assumemixing activation state 342 and particle-delivery activation state 344at the same time.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 20A-B, which are schematic illustrationsof chamber 302, in accordance with an application of the presentinvention. In this configuration, chamber 302 comprises a receptaclecomponent 370 and a cover component 372. Cover component 372 (a)comprises filter 304, and (b) is shaped so as to define a cap 374 and(ii) a bone-graft container 376 having an opening 378 that (x) facesaway from cap 374 and (y) is farther from cap 374 than filler 304 isfrom cap 374. Receptacle component 370 and cover component 372 areshaped so as to be reversibly coupleable with each another to form awatertight seal, with bone-graft container 376 disposed withinreceptacle component 370.

Before receptacle component 370 and cover component 372 are coupled toeach another, bone-graft container 376 contains solid bone graftparticles 334. For some applications, such as when bone-graft container376 is provided pre-loaded with solid bone graft particles 334,bone-graft container 376 further comprises a temporary cap (not shown).For some applications, bone-graft container 376 is placed upside-down ona surface, such that opening 378 is facing up. The temporary cap, ifprovided, is removed. Receptacle component 370 of chamber 302 is coupledto bone-graft container 376 while bone-graft container 376 remainsupside-down. Typically, chamber 302 is turned over to its uprightoperational position only after bone graft injection system 320 hasfilled the chamber with physiological liquid solution 336 in the fillingstate described above.

For some applications, bone-graft container 376 has a volume of between0.2 and 6 ml. Alternatively or additionally, for some applications,chamber 302 has a volume of between 0.2 and 20 ml. Further alternativelyor additionally, for some applications, a volume of bone-graft container376 equals at least 10% of and/or less than 50% of a volume of chamber302, such as less than 33%, e.g., less than 20% of the volume of chamber302.

Reference is now made to FIG. 21, which is a schematic illustration of aportion of a method of using bone graft injection system 320, inaccordance with an application of the present invention. This portion ofthe method is typically performed after Schneiderian membrane 88 hasbeen raised to form cavity 90 between the second (upper) side ofmaxillary bone 82 and Schneiderian membrane 88, such as using hydraulicpressure or mechanical elevation, either using shaft unit 340 of bonegrail injection system 320 (typically by injecting physiologicalsolution through shaft delivery tube 380 after inserting shaft deliverytube 380 into bore 86), or using another dental tool or a dentalimplant. In blow-up A of FIG. 21, Schneiderian membrane 88 has settledtoward the bottom of cavity 90, such as after injected saline solutionhas been allowed to drain front cavity 90 through the tool and/or thebore through the bone.

For some applications, user interface 335 of bone graft injection system320 includes one or more of the following user controls (which maycomprise, for example, buttons), for performing the following functionsduring use of bone graft injection system 320 in a bone augmentationprocedure:

-   -   a “load” user control, which instructs control circuitry 332 to        fill all of the tubes of bone graft injection system 320 with        physiological liquid solution 336, during the filling state        described above with reference to FIG. 19;    -   a “volume” user control, which specifies the maximum volume of        physiological liquid solution 336 to be injected into cavity 90        by control circuitry 332;    -   a “raise” user control, which instructs control circuitry 332 to        raise Schneiderian membrane 88 by injecting the volume of        physiological liquid solution 336 specified by the “volume” user        control (the user activates the “raise” user control when        removable depth limiting element 384 is attached to shaft        delivery tube 380 and shaft delivery tube 380 is disposed as        described hereinbelow with reference to blow-up B of FIG. 21);    -   a “start” user control, which instructs control circuitry 332 to        deliver solid bone graft particles 334 into cavity 90, as        described herein (the user activates the “start” user control        after removing removable depth limiting element 384 from shaft        delivery tube 380 and advancing shaft delivery tube 380 into        cavity 90, as described hereinbelow with reference to blow-up C        of FIG. 21);    -   a “stop” user control, which instructs control circuitry 332 to        cease delivering solid bone graft particles 334; and    -   an “empty” user control, which instructs control circuitry 332        to pump all of physiological liquid solution 336 from the        system.

For some applications, a method of using bone graft injection system 320comprises inserting, from a first (lower) side of maxillary bone 82 of ajaw, shaft delivery tube 380 of shaft unit 340 of bone graft injectionsystem 320 into bore 86 that passes through maxillary bone 82 from thefirst (lower) side to the second (upper) side of maxillary bone 82, suchthat distal opening 383 of shaft delivery tube 380 is disposed in bore86 or in cavity 90 that is (a) adjacent to the second side of maxillarybone 82 and (b) between the second side of maxillary bone 82 andSchneiderian membrane 88. (As mentioned hereinbelow, distal opening 383is in fluid communication with shaft delivery tube 380.) For someapplications, distal opening 383 is disposed at tho distal end of shaftdelivery tube 380, and positioning distal opening 383 comprisespositioning the distal end of shaft delivery tube 380 at the location.

For some applications, a screw 400 that defines a channel is screwedinto bore 86 before insertion of shaft delivery tube 380, and shaftdelivery tube 380 is inserted into bore 86 by being inserted into thechannel of screw 400. Optionally, saline solution was previouslyinjected through the channel of the screw in order to raise Schneiderianmembrane 88. For some applications, a seal (e.g., comprising an o-ring)is provided between the wall of the channel and an external surface ofshaft delivery tube 380. Alternatively or additionally, a seal isprovided against the first (lower) side of first maxillary bone 82.

The method typically further comprises positioning distal opening 383near a roof 406 of cavity 90. For example, distal opening 383 may bepositioned at a solid-liquid-composition-delivery location 402 at adistance D5 from the second side of maxillary bone 82, the distance D5equal to at least 50% (e.g., at least 75%) of a height H of cavity 90directly above bore 86. Alternatively or additionally, for someapplications, distal opening 383 is positioned at a distance D6 between2 and 12 mm, such as between 4 and 6 mm from Schneiderian membrane 88 atroof 406 of cavity 90 directly above bore 86. Providing such spacingbetween distal opening 383 and Schneiderian membrane 88 may preventsolid-liquid composition 339 from rebounding off the membrane directlyback into distal opening 383 before solid bone graft particles 334 cansettle in the cavity.

The method further comprises providing solid-liquid composition 339 froma solid-liquid composition source, such as chamber 302 and otherelements of bone graft injection system 320 that are coupled in fluidcommunication with shaft delivery tube 380, typically by activating pumpunit 301, such as by activating control circuitry 332. While distalopening 383 is positioned at solid-liquid-composition-delivery location402, solid-liquid composition 339 is injected through distal opening 383via shaft delivery tube 380. Typically, while solid-liquid composition339 is injected, chamber 302 is oriented such that liquid compartment306 is above solid-liquid composition compartment 308. Typically, whenchamber 302 is oriented such that liquid compartment 306 is abovesolid-liquid composition compartment 308: (a) the one or moresolid-liquid composition ports 312 are disposed no more than a distancefrom a bottom of solid-liquid composition compartment 308, the distanceequal to 25% of a vertical height of solid-liquid compositioncompartment 308, and/or (b) the one or more solid-liquid compositionports 312 are located through a side wall of solid-liquid compositioncompartment 308. Typically, while solid-liquid composition 339 isinjected, solid-liquid composition delivery tube 314 is oriented within45 degrees of horizontal, such as within 15 degrees of horizontal, e.g.,horizontally. (As used in the present application, including in theclaims, “horizontal” means horizontal with respect to the Earth, i.e.,perpendicular to a vertical line directed to the center of gravity ofthe Earth, e.g., as ascertained using a plumb-line.)

For some applications, the method further comprises raising Schneiderianmembrane 88 by injecting physiological liquid solution 336 through shaftdelivery tube 380, such as shown in blow-up B of FIG. 21. For someapplications, raising Schneiderian membrane 88 comprises positioningdistal opening 383 at a liquid-delivery location 404 that is within bore86 or within 1 mm above bore 86; and, while distal opening 383 ispositioned at liquid-delivery location 404, injecting physiologicalliquid solution 336 to raise Schneiderian membrane 88. Distal opening383 is positioned at solid-liquid-composition-delivery location 402after finishing injecting physiological liquid solution 336 to raiseSchneiderian membrane 88.

For some applications, distal opening 383 is positioned atliquid-delivery location 404 while removable depth limiting element 384is attached to shaft delivery tube 380. Removable depth limiting element384 limits advancement of shaft delivery lube 380 through bore 86.Positioning distal opening 383 at solid-liquid-composition-deliverylocation 402 comprises removing depth limiting element 384 from shaftdelivery tube 380, and subsequently advancing shaft delivery tube 380through bore 86 until distal opening 383 reachessolid-liquid-composition-delivery location 402, such as shown in blow-upC of FIG. 21.

For some applications, injecting solid-liquid composition 339 comprisespumping solid-liquid composition 339 through distal opening 383 viashaft delivery tube 380 at a pulsating hydraulic pressure thatperiodically varies between positive and negative.

For some applications, bone graft injection system 320 is used toperform the techniques described hereinabove with reference to FIGS.12A-B or FIG. 13, mutatis mutandis.

Although the techniques described herein have been generally describedfor use with bone graft particles, these techniques may also be usedwith other solid particles, such as, as for example, drug-releasingsolid particles or solid drug particles.

The scope of the present invention includes embodiments described in thefollowing patents and patent application publications, which areassigned to the assignee of the present application and are incorporatedherein by reference. In an embodiment, techniques and apparatusdescribed in one or more of the following patents or patent applicationpublications are combined with techniques and apparatus describedherein:

-   -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,934,929 to Better et al.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 8,029,284 to Better et al.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 8,662,891 to Uchitel et al.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 8,388,343 to Better et al.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 8,702,423 to Better et al.    -   PCT Publication WO 2010/035270 to Better et al.    -   PCT Publication WO 2010/146573 to Better et al.    -   PCT Publication WO 2014/199332 to Fostick et al.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited to what has been particularly shown anddescribed hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present inventionincludes both combinations and subcombinations of the various featuresdescribed hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications thereofthat are not in the prior art, which would occur to persons skilled inthe art upon reading the foregoing description.

1. Apparatus for use with solid particles and a liquid container containing a physiological liquid solution, the apparatus comprising: (1) a composition delivery source, which comprises: (a) a chamber, which: (i) comprises a filter, which is disposed within the chamber so as to divide the chamber into a liquid compartment and a solid-liquid composition compartment, and (ii) is shaped so as to define (A) one or more liquid ports in fluid communication with the liquid compartment, and (B) one or more solid-liquid composition ports in fluid communication with the solid-liquid composition compartment; (b) a solid-liquid composition delivery tube, which is in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more solid-liquid composition ports; (c) a mixing tube, which is in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more liquid ports and at least one of the one or more solid-liquid composition ports; and (d) a liquid-supply tube, which is in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more liquid ports, and is coupled in fluid communication with an interior of the liquid solution container; and (2) a pump unit, which comprises: (a) a mixing pump, which is arranged to cause flow in the mixing tube; and (b) a liquid-supply pump, which is arranged to cause flow in the liquid-supply tube.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the solid particles are solid bone graft particles, and wherein the apparatus is for use with the solid bone graft particles.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the solid particles, wherein the filter is configured to inhibit passage of the solid particles and allow passage of the physiological liquid solution.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mixing pump is arranged to cause, in the mixing tube, flow that raises the solid particles in a puff into the physiological liquid solution in the solid-liquid composition compartment.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a closest distance between the one or more solid-liquid composition ports and the filter equals at least 75% of a distance between the filter and a point on an interior of a wall of the solid-liquid composition compartment farthest from the filter.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mixing tube (a) merges with the liquid-supply tube at an exit junction, and (b) is in fluid communication with the at least one of the one or more liquid ports via a portion of the liquid-supply tube.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid-supply tube (a) merges with the mixing tube at an exit junction, and (b) is in fluid communication with the at least one of the one or more liquid ports via a portion of the mixing tube.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the chamber is shaped so as to define exactly one liquid port in fluid communication with the liquid compartment, and wherein the chamber is shaped so as to define exactly one solid-liquid composition port in fluid communication with the solid-liquid composition compartment.
 9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the pump unit further comprises control circuitry, which is configured to repeatedly: (a) assume a mixing activation state, in which the control circuitry activates the mixing pump to mix the solid particles and the physiological liquid solution in the solid-liquid composition compartment to form a solid-liquid composition, by pumping the physiological liquid solution through the mixing tube and into the solid-liquid composition compartment, and (b) assume a particle-delivery activation state, wherein the control circuitry, during at least a portion of the particle-delivery activation state, activates the liquid-supply pump to apply positive pressure to pump the solid-liquid composition from the solid-liquid composition compartment into the solid-liquid composition delivery tube.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the mixing activation state and the particle-delivery activation state at the same time.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control circuitry is configured in assume the mixing activation state and the particle-delivery activation state at partially-overlapping times.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the mixing activation state and the particle-delivery activation state at non-overlapping times.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control circuitry is configured to, when in the particle-delivery activation state, activate the liquid-supply pump to apply the positive pressure to pump the physiological liquid solution (a) from the liquid solution container, (b) through the liquid-supply tube, (c) into the liquid compartment, (d) through the filter, (e) into the solid-liquid composition compartment, (f) from the solid-liquid composition compartment, and (g) to the solid-liquid composition delivery tube.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control circuitry is configured, during each of one or more negative-positive particle delivery cycles of the particle-delivery activation state, to assume: a negative particle-delivery activation sub-state, in which the control circuitry activates the liquid-supply pump to apply negative pressure to pump liquid from the solid-liquid composition delivery tube toward the liquid compartment via the solid-liquid composition compartment, and a positive particle-delivery activation sub-state, in which the control circuitry activates the liquid-supply pump to apply the positive pressure to pump the solid-liquid composition from the solid-liquid composition compartment into the solid-liquid composition delivery tube, wherein a direction of pumping of the liquid-supply pump in the positive particle-delivery activation sub-state is opposite a direction of pumping of the liquid-supply pump in the negative particle-delivery activation sub-state.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the mixing activation state and the particle-delivery activation state at non-overlapping times.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the mixing activation state and the negative particle-delivery activation sub-state at partially-overlapping times.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the particle-delivery activation state in a plurality of particle-delivery-state cycles, and to begin the particle-delivery activation state in each of the particle-delivery-state cycles with the negative particle-delivery activation sub-state.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the control circuitry is configured to provide a plurality of the negative-positive particle delivery cycles during the particle-delivery activation state.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the control circuitry is configured to, when in the negative particle-delivery activation sub-state, activate the liquid-supply pump to pump the liquid from the solid-liquid composition delivery tube, into the solid-liquid composition compartment, and into the liquid compartment.
 20. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the liquid-supply pump is a liquid-supply peristaltic pump, which comprises a rotor, wherein the liquid-supply peristaltic pump is capable of (a) pumping fluid at an average rate throughout a full 360-degree revolution of the rotor at a certain speed, and (b) pumping fluid at a maximum rate during portions of the full 360-degree revolution at the certain speed, the maximum rate greater than the average rate, and wherein the control circuitry is configured, when in both the positive and the negative particle-delivery activation sub-states, to activate the liquid-supply peristaltic pump to (a) rotate the rotor, at the certain speed, a partial revolution equal to a fraction of the full 360-degree revolution of the rotor, the fraction less than 1, and (b) pump, throughout the partial revolution, the fluid at the maximum rate.
 21. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the liquid-supply pump is a liquid-supply peristaltic pump, which comprises a rotor, and wherein the control circuitry is configured: when in the positive particle-delivery activation sub-state, to activate the liquid-supply peristaltic pump to rotate the rotor, in a first rotational direction, a first partial revolution equal to a fraction of a full 360-degree revolution of the rotor, the fraction less than 1, and when in the negative particle-delivery activation sub-state, to activate the liquid-supply peristaltic pump to rotate the rotor, in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, a second partial revolution equal to the fraction of the full 360-degree revolution of the rotor.
 22. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the liquid-supply pump is a liquid-supply peristaltic pump, which comprises a rotor, and wherein the control circuitry is configured, when in the positive particle-delivery activation sub-state, to activate the liquid-supply peristaltic pump to: rotate the rotor a partial revolution equal to a fraction of a full 360-degree revolution of the rotor, the fraction less than 1, and pump, throughout the partial revolution, a volume of fluid that is greater than the product of the fraction and a volume of fluid pumpable throughout the full 360-degree revolution of the rotor.
 23. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the liquid-supply pump is a liquid-supply peristaltic pump, which comprises a rotor.
 24. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the particle-delivery activation state a plurality of times in alternation with mixing activation states, and to begin each of the particle-delivery activation states with the rotor at a same rotational position.
 25. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the mixing pump is a mixing peristaltic pump, which comprises a rotor.
 26. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the mixing peristaltic pump comprises a total number of rollers equal to at least two, and wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the mixing activation state a plurality of times in alternation with particle-delivery activation states, and to begin the mixing activation states with the rotor at respective starting rotational positions, which are identical to one another or rotationally offset from one another by the product of (a) 360 degrees divided by the total number of rollers and (b) a positive integer.
 27. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the mixing peristaltic pump comprises (a) a pump casing that is shaped so as to define a partial-circle mixing tube channel in which the mixing tube is disposed, and (b) an odd total number of rollers, the odd total number equal to at least one, and wherein the control circuitry is configured to assume the mixing activation state a plurality of times in alternation with particle-delivery activation states, and to begin each of the mixing activation states with an aligned total number of the rollers rotationally aligned with the mixing tube channel, the aligned total number equal to more than half of the odd total number.
 28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the odd total number equals at least three.
 29. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the chamber comprises a receptacle component and a cover component, wherein the cover component (a) comprises the filter, and (b) is shaped so as to define (i) a cap and (ii) a bone-graft container having an opening that (x) faces away from the cap and (y) is farther from the cap than the filter is from the cap, and wherein the receptacle component and the cover component are shaped so as to be reversibly coupleable with each another to form a watertight seal, with the bone-graft container disposed within the receptacle component.
 30. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the mixing pump and the liquid-supply pump are respective peristaltic pumps.
 31. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the mixing tube (a) merges with the solid-liquid composition delivery tube at a return junction, and (b) is in fluid communication with the at least one of the one or more solid-liquid composition ports via a portion of the solid-liquid composition delivery tube.
 32. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the mixing tube (a) merges with the solid-liquid composition delivery tube at a return junction, and (b) is in fluid communication with the at least one of the one or more solid-liquid composition ports via a portion of the solid-liquid composition delivery tube.
 33. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the chamber comprises a receptacle component and a cover component, which is shaped so as to define a cap, wherein the return junction is disposed along a longitudinal portion of the solid-liquid composition delivery tube and around a circumferential portion of the solid-liquid composition delivery tube, wherein the longitudinal portion includes a point that is closest to the cap when the cap is coupled to the receptacle component, and wherein the circumferential portion includes the point.
 34. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the apparatus further comprises a shaft unit, which comprises a shaft delivery tube in fluid communication with a distal end of the solid-liquid composition delivery tube.
 35. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the shaft unit further comprises a removable depth limiting element, which is configured to limit a depth of insertion of the shaft delivery tube into a bore through a bone when the shaft delivery tube is inserted into the bore.
 36. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the shaft unit comprises a shaft delivery tube, wherein the shaft unit further comprises a sealing element disposed around an external surface of the shaft delivery tube, and wherein the depth limiting element is removable from the shaft unit without removal of the sealing element.
 37. Apparatus for use with solid particles and a liquid container containing a physiological liquid solution, the apparatus comprising a composition delivery source, which comprises: (a) a chamber, which: (i) comprises a filter, which is disposed within the chamber so as to divide the chamber into a liquid compartment and a solid-liquid composition compartment, and (ii) is shaped so as to define (A) one or more liquid ports in fluid communication with the liquid compartment, and (B) one or more solid-liquid composition ports in fluid communication with the solid-liquid composition compartment; (b) a solid-liquid composition delivery tube, which is in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more solid-liquid composition ports; (c) a nixing tube, which is in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more liquid ports and at least one of the one or more solid-liquid composition ports; and (d) a liquid-supply tube, which is in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more liquid ports, and is coupled in fluid communication with an interior of the liquid solution container.
 38. Apparatus for use with solid particles and a liquid container containing a physiological liquid solution, the apparatus comprising a pump unit, which comprises: (a) a mixing pump; (b) a liquid-supply pump; and (c) control circuitry, which is configured to repeatedly: (i) assume a mixing activation state, in which the control circuitry activates the mixing pump, and (ii) assume a particle-delivery activation state, wherein the control circuitry is configured, during each of one or more negative-positive particle delivery cycles of the particle-delivery activation state, to assume: a negative particle-delivery activation sub-state, in which the control circuitry activates the liquid-supply pump apply negative pressure to pump in a first direction, and thereafter, a positive particle-delivery activation sub-state, in which the control circuitry activates the liquid-supply pump to apply positive pressure to pump in a second direction opposite the first direction.
 39. Apparatus for use with solid particles and a physiological liquid solution, the apparatus comprising: a composition delivery source, which comprises: (a) a chamber, which is shaped so as to define one or more liquid ports and one or more solid-liquid composition ports; (b) a solid-liquid composition delivery tube, which is in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more solid-liquid composition ports; and (c) a mixing tube, which is in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more liquid ports and at least one of the one or more solid-liquid composition ports; and a pump unit, which comprises a mixing pump, which is arranged to cause, in the mixing tube, flow that raises the solid particles in a puff into the physiological liquid solution in the chamber.
 40. Apparatus comprising a surgical tool for use with solid particles and a physiological liquid solution, the surgical tool comprising: a shaft unit, which is shaped so as to define a delivery lumen, and a distal opening, which is disposed within 10 mm of a distal end of the shaft unit, in fluid communication with the delivery lumen; a composition source, which is coupled in fluid communication with the delivery lumen, and which is configured to provide a solid-liquid composition of the solid particles and the physiological liquid solution; and a pump, which is configured to pump the solid-liquid composition through the distal opening via the delivery lumen.
 41. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the surgical tool is configured as an oral surgical tool.
 42. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the pump is configured to pump the solid-liquid composition at a pulsating hydraulic pressure that periodically varies between positive arid negative.
 43. The apparatus according to claim 42, wherein the pump is configured to pump the solid-liquid composition through the distal opening via the delivery lumen during a plurality of positive-pressure periods that alternate with a plurality of negative-pressure periods, and to set an average duration of the positive-pressure periods to be less than or equal to an average duration of the negative-pressure periods.
 44. The apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the pump is configured to set the average duration of the positive-pressure periods to be equal to the average duration of the negative-pressure periods.
 45. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the pump is configured to pump the solid-liquid composition at a pulsating positive hydraulic pressure.
 46. The apparatus according to any one of claims 40-45, wherein the composition source comprises a combining unit, which is configured to provide the solid-liquid composition by combining the solid particles with the physiological liquid solution.
 47. The apparatus according to claim 46, wherein the combining unit comprises a mixing unit, which is configured to provide the solid-liquid composition by mixing the solid particles with the physiological liquid solution.
 48. The apparatus according to any one of claims 40-45, wherein the solid particles arc solid bone graft particles, and wherein the surgical tool is for use with the solid bone graft particles.
 49. Apparatus comprising a surgical tool for use with solid particles and a physiological liquid solution, the surgical tool comprising: exactly one shaft unit, which is shaped so as to define a delivery lumen and a drainage lumen; a distal opening, which is disposed within 10 mm of a distal end of the shaft unit, in fluid communication with the delivery lumen; a composition source, which is coupled in fluid communication with the delivery lumen, and which is configured to provide a solid-liquid composition of the solid particles and the physiological liquid solution; and a filter, which is disposed in fluid communication with the drainage lumen, and which is configured to inhibit passage of the solid particles of the solid-liquid composition and allow passage of the physiological liquid solution of the solid-liquid composition.
 50. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein the filter is disposed within 10 mm of the distal end of the shaft unit.
 51. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein the filter is disposed around an axis of the distal opening.
 52. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein the drainage lumen is disposed alongside the delivery lumen in the shaft unit.
 53. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein the filter disposed around the delivery lumen in the shaft unit.
 54. The apparatus according to claim 49, further comprising a pump, which is configured to clear the solid particles that accumulate on the filter during drainage of the physiological liquid solution through the filter, by periodically applying a positive pressure to the drainage lumen.
 55. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein the filter is shaped so as to define a plurality of slits having a width narrower than the solid particles.
 56. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein the surgical tool is configured to move the distal opening and the shaft unit with respect to each other.
 57. The apparatus according to claim 56, wherein the surgical tool further comprises a filter clearing element, which is fixed to the distal opening, and is configured to clear the solid particles that accumulate on the filter during drainage of the physiological liquid solution through the filter.
 58. The apparatus according to claim 56, wherein the surgical tool is configured to rotate the distal opening and the shaft unit with respect to each other.
 59. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein the surgical tool further comprises a filter clearing element, which is configured to clear the solid particles that accumulate on the filter during drainage of the physiological liquid solution through the filter.
 60. Apparatus comprising a surgical tool for use with solid particles and a physiological liquid solution, the surgical tool comprising: exactly one shaft unit, which is shaped so as to define a delivery lumen and a drainage lumen; a distal opening, which is disposed within 10 mm of a distal end of the shaft unit, in fluid communication with the delivery lumen; a composition source, which is coupled in fluid communication with the delivery lumen, and which is configured to provide a solid-liquid composition of the solid particles and the physiological liquid solution; and a plurality of elements disposed around and outside the delivery lumen for facilitating (a) inhibiting passage of the solid particles of the solid-liquid composition to the drainage lumen, and (b) allowing passage of the physiological liquid solution of the solid-liquid composition to the drainage lumen.
 61. Apparatus comprising a surgical tool for use with solid particles and a physiological liquid solution, the surgical tool comprising: exactly one shaft unit, which (a) is shaped so as to define a drainage lumen, and (b) comprises a delivery shaft, which is shaped so as to define (i) a delivery lumen, and (ii) a plurality of rib elements that extend radially outward from an external surface of the delivery shaft; a distal opening, which is disposed within 10 mm of a distal end of the shaft unit, in fluid communication with the delivery lumen; and a composition source, which is coupled in fluid communication with the delivery lumen, and which is configured to provide a solid-liquid composition of the solid particles and the physiological liquid solution.
 62. The apparatus according to claim 61, wherein the rib elements extend an average distance of between 0.1 and 2 mm radially outward from the external surface of the delivery shaft.
 63. The apparatus according to claim 61, wherein the rib elements extend longitudinally along the external surface of the delivery shaft for an average distance of at least 1 mm.
 64. The apparatus according to claim 61, wherein the surgical tool further comprises a depth limiting element, which is configured to limit a depth of insertion of the shaft unit into a bore through a bone when the shaft unit is inserted into the bore.
 65. The apparatus according to claim 64, wherein the depth limiting element is removably attached to the shaft unit.
 66. The apparatus according to claim 64, wherein the depth limiting element is shaped so as to define a portion of the drainage lumen between at least a portion of an internal surface of the depth limiting element and a portion of the external surface of the delivery shaft.
 67. The apparatus according to any one of claims 49, 60, and 61, wherein the surgical tool is configured as an oral surgical tool.
 68. The apparatus according to any one of claims 49, 60, and 61, wherein the solid particles are solid bone graft particles, and wherein the surgical tool is for use with the solid bone graft particles.
 69. The apparatus according to any one of claims 49, 60, and 61, wherein the drainage lumen is disposed around the delivery lumen in the shaft unit.
 70. The apparatus according to any one of claims 49, 60, and 61, wherein the surgical tool further comprises a suction source, which is coupled in fluid communication with the drainage lumen.
 71. The apparatus according to any one of claims 49, 60, and 61, for use with a suction source, wherein the drainage lumen is coupleable in fluid communication with the suction source.
 72. The apparatus according to any one of claims 49, 60, and 61, wherein the surgical tool further comprises a depth limiting element, which is configured to limit a depth of insertion of the shaft unit into a bore through a bone when the shaft unit is inserted into the bore.
 73. The apparatus according to any one of claims 49, 60, and 61, wherein the composition source comprises a combining feeder unit, which is configured to provide the solid-liquid composition by combining the solid particles with the physiological liquid solution.
 74. The apparatus according to claim 73, wherein the combining feeder unit comprises a mixing feeder unit, which is configured to provide the solid-liquid composition by mixing the solid particles with the physiological liquid solution.
 75. The apparatus according to any one of claims 49, 60, and 61, wherein the surgical tool is configured to automatically apply motion to the shaft unit selected from the group consisting of: vibrational motion, rotational motion, oscillatory motion, axial back-and-forth motion, and lateral side-to-side motion.
 76. The apparatus according to any one of claims 49, 60, and 61, further comprising a pump, which is configured to pump the solid-liquid composition through the distal opening via the delivery lumen.
 77. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the pump is configured to pump the solid-liquid composition at a pulsating positive hydraulic pressure.
 78. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the pump is configured to pump the solid-liquid composition at a pulsating hydraulic pressure that periodically varies between positive and negative.
 79. The apparatus according to any one of claims 49, 60, and 61, wherein the surgical tool further comprises a solid-particle container, which contains the solid particles for combining with the physiological liquid solution. 